Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 7:04 pm Saturday, 3 January 2026.

INTENSE RAINFALL ALONG PARTS OF THE NORTH TROPICAL COAST.

Weather Situation: Slow moving showers and thunderstorms continuing this afternoon in a very moist tropical airmass.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Innisfail and Babinda.

77 mm OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT COWLEY BEACH IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 6:45 PM.

61 mm of rainfall was recorded at Archers Creek in 1 hour to 4:19 pm.

60 mm of rainfall was recorded at Dutton River in 1 hour to 4:15 pm.

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.