Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:41 am Tuesday, 30 December 2025.

Heavy rainfall possible for the northeast tropical coast this morning.

Weather Situation: Areas of converging enhanced onshore winds over the northeast tropical coast bring the risk of heavy rainfall this morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for areas from about Townsville to north of Innisfail. Two to six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 120 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 180 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, Lucinda and Abergowrie.

Significant rainfall on Monday 29 December:

290 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT COWLEY BEACH IN THE 6 HOURS TO 6:02 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.