Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands Forecast District.

Issued at 4:31 pm Friday, 2 January 2026.

Localised heavy rainfall with thunderstorms expected over northern Queensland.

Weather Situation: Deep tropical moisture and instability is in place over much of northern Queensland. Slow-moving shower and thunderstorm activity developing near weak surface troughs over the northeast may produce localised heavy rainfall this afternoon.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Innisfail, Gordonvale and Babinda.

89 mm of rainfall was recorded at Clyde Road near Babinda in the 60 minutes to 4:15 pm

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.