Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:56 am Friday, 9 January 2026.

A tropical low approaches the northeast tropical coast, bringing heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging winds from later today, continuing over the weekend.

Weather Situation: A tropical low (12U) is located over the western Coral Sea and will begin moving south towards the northeast Queensland coast over the next few days. The low now has a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone, before moving inland during the weekend. To the south of the low, a surge in southeasterly winds is expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas. Bands of shower and thunderstorm activity are expected to become more widespread with areas of heavy rainfall developing today that will continue through the weekend.

For the NORTH TROPICAL COAST south of PORT DOUGLAS, the HERBERT AND LOWER BURDEKIN and parts of the CENTRAL COAST AND WHITSUNDAYS:

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop north of Townsville from overnight tonight, and extend south through the remainder of the warning area into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 170 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible from Saturday morning near and south of the low centre, with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible. 24-hourly totals between 200 to 275 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 400 mm possible.

East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are also expected about exposed coastal parts north of Tully, including north of Port Douglas, from this afternoon. Damaging winds will extend south along the coast throughout the warning area on Saturday, and will turn east to northeasterly south of 12U on Saturday afternoon and evening .

Conditions could begin to ease about the North Tropical Coast north of Innisfail by Saturday evening, but are likely to persist into Sunday over parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning has been issued between Port Douglas and Tully, and a Tropical Cyclone Watch has been issued between Tully and Airlie Beach. Please refer to Tropical Cyclone warnings and forecast track maps at https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/specialised-forecasts-and-observations/tropical-cyclone.

Rainfall totals and warning area is dependent on the development and position of the tropical low. The tropical low is being monitored closely and forecast track maps will continue to be issued. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if intense rainfall is detected.

A separate Severe Weather Warning associated with monsoonal winds has been issued for people in the Peninsula. Flood Watch and Warning products are also current for large parts of Queensland, including the northeast.

Underlying wet soils will make trees easier to fall about the northeast tropical coast. Landslips could also occur about steep and hilly terrain.

For all other current warnings and watches, including various Flood Warnings and Watches, please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

Locations which may be affected include Hope Vale, Cooktown, Bloomfield Valley (including Wujal Wujal), Port Douglas, Cairns, Yarrabah, Mareeba, Atherton, Innisfail, Palm Island, Cardwell, Ingham, Townsville, Ayr, Bowen, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands. Proserpine, and Mackay.

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.