Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central West, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders and North West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:56 pm Thursday, 1 January 2026.

INTENSE RAINFALL DEVELOPING WEST OF ALVA BEACH THIS AFTERNOON.

Weather Situation: A tropical low and associated trough lying across the northwest and northern interior of Queensland continue to generate slow moving storms and heavier falls this afternoon. In the southeast more isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin district. Locations which may be affected include Giru.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central West, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders and North West districts. Locations which may be affected include Winton and Corfield.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for the northeast tropical coast. Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Central and Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

124 mm rainfall was recorded at Giru (south of Townsville) in 2 hrs to 2:32 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.