Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 12:18 am Friday, 20 February 2026.

Slow moving thunderstorms are producing heavy rainfall overnight for parts of the state.

Weather Situation: A trough and moist airmass continues to producing thunderstorms across parts of the state overnight.

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 Longreach, Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Barcaldine, Blackall, Isisford, Collinsville, Hamilton Island, Eungella, Jericho and Ilfracombe.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Central Highlands and Coalfields district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

95mm was recorded at Moranbah in the 3 hours to 8:22pm.

122mm was recorded at Mt Spencer in the 3 hours to 5:49pm.

109mm was recorded at O'Connell in the 2 hours to 9:46pm.

81mm was recorded at Sandy Plateau in the 1 hour to 7:35pm.

79mm was recorded at Betanga Alert in the 3 hours to 12:01am.

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.