Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 7:21 pm Thursday, 12 December 2024.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUING OVER THE TROPICAL NORTH.

Weather Situation: An upper trough is enhancing surface troughs and combining with a very humid environment. This is leading to thunderstorms over the tropical north and central coast.

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.

Severe thunderstorms are likely over the next several hours in parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Herbert and Lower Burdekin districts. Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Ingham, Cardwell, Giru, Abergowrie and Lucinda.

120 MM WAS RECORDED AT MILL ROAD IN THE ! HOUR TO 7:13 PM

49 mm was recorded at Lava Plains Road in the 30 minutes to 5:37 pm

91 mm was recorded at Giru in the 1 hour to 2:31 pm

54 mm was recorded at Fish Hole Creek in the 30 minutes to 2:07 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.