Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 1:57 pm Sunday, 2 February 2025.

INTENSE RAINFALL OCCURRING ABOUT PALUMA.

Weather situation: An elongated low pressure system embedded within the monsoon trough is currently located across the southern Cape York Peninsula resulting in enhanced rainfall and winds about the northeast coast of Queensland. Very significant rainfall accumulations are expected due to the slow-moving nature of the low and trough in an airmass rich in tropical moisture.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Paluma.

175 mm of rainfall recorded at Paluma in the 3 hours to 1:50 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.