Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders and Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:35 am Sunday, 2 February 2025.

HEAVY RAINFALL LIKELY, WITH LOCALLY INTENSE FALLS POSSIBLE OVER NORTHEAST QUEENSLAND.

Weather situation: An elongated low pressure system embedded within the monsoon trough is currently located across the southern Cape York Peninsula resulting in enhanced rainfall and winds about the north east coasts of Queensland. Very significant rainfall accumulations are expected due to the slow-moving nature of the low and trough in an airmass rich in tropical moisture.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast between Tully and Ayr, and inland to the far eastern Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, including the towns of Charters Towers, Ingham, Cardwell and Giru. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 160 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 200 mm. 24-hourly rainfall totals up to 300 mm are likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible between Ingham and Townsville during this period. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 160 to 250 mm are possible. 24-hourly totals up to 450 mm are possible.

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

Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are also possible for the islands and coastal fringe between Tully and Giru.

The potential for heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging winds may continue into early next week subject to the strength and position of the trough and low.

A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for parts of northeastern Queensland. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Charters Towers, Townsville, Palm Island, Ingham, Cardwell, Giru, Woodstock, Abergowrie and Lucinda.

Rainfall totals from 9 am to 7 am AEST:

699 mm recorded at Paluma Dam.

639 mm recorded at Rollingstone.

586 mm recorded at Pace Rd Rollingstone.

496 mm recorded at Paluma.

430 mm recorded at Wallaman Escarpment.

410 mm recorded at Upper Major Ck

409 mm recorded at Bluewater

381 mm recorded at Paradise Lagoon

372 mm recorded at Ingham Airport

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.