Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast District.

Issued at 3:09 am Thursday, 20 March 2025.

Heavy rainfall occurring in coastal areas near Townsville

Weather Situation: An area of slow moving showers and thunderstorms is causing moderate to heavy rainfall over parts of the northeast this morning.

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 Townsville, Palm Island, Giru and Rollingstone.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

218 mm WAS RECORDED AT CARDWELL GAP IN THE 3 HOURS TO 12:16 am.

192 mm WAS RECORDED AT INNISFAIL AERODROME IN THE 3 HOURS TO 11:30 pm.

180 mm was recorded at Mourilyan Mill in the 3 hours to 11:29 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.