Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 3:25 pm Friday, 20 December 2024.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH INTENSE RAINFALL HAVE DEVELOPED WEST OF TOWNSVILLE.

Thunderstorms have developed along a trough extending across the north of the state. An airmass rich in moisture will result in a risk of heavy to locally intense rainfall with thunderstorms and showers.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the warning area west of Townsville over the next several hours.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy to locally intense rainfall is also current for the area between Ingham to north of Mackay. See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

197 MM OF RAINFALL RECORDED AT TOOLAKEA IN THE 3 HOURS TO 3:08 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.