Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:19 pm Wednesday, 31 December 2025.

Heavy rainfall is possible about the northeast coast tonight and into Thursday.

Weather Situation: A coastal trough over the northeast coast is combining with a very humid airmass to bring a risk of heavy rainfall.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast about the coast and adjacent inland areas from about Innisfail to Alva Beach. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 180 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for northwestern Queensland. Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Palm Island, Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Rollingstone, Innisfail, Giru, Lucinda and Abergowrie.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.