Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Peninsula Forecast District.

Issued at 10:53 am Friday, 9 January 2026.

Damaging winds developing about the Torres Strait and northwest Cape York Peninsula today.

Weather Situation: The monsoon trough is situated over far northern Cape York Peninsula and is expected to slowly move south over the coming days. A strong burst of monsoonal northwesterly winds is likely develop to the north of the trough during today, bringing the risk of damaging winds to the northwest of Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait islands.

Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of 90 km/h are possible about northern parts of Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait Islands, including Thursday Island, from this afternoon. Winds are expected to persist through Saturday before easing early Sunday morning.

Bursts of moderate rainfall in squally monsoonal showers and thunderstorms are also expected.

A separate Severe Weather Warning and forecast track map associated with Tropical Low 12U is current for people in the northeast tropical coast. Several flood watches and warnings are also current for large parts of Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

Locations which may be affected include Thursday Island, Bamaga, Old Mapoon and the Torres Strait Islands.

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.