Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays and parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Capricornia Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:24 am Saturday, 10 January 2026.

A tropical low approaches the northeast tropical coast, bringing heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging winds from later today, continuing over the weekend.

Weather Situation: A broad tropical low (12U) is located over the western Coral Sea and has begun moving south towards the northeast Queensland coast. The Low now has a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone this weekend before moving inland on Sunday. The strongest winds around the Low are far removed from the centre with a surge in southeasterly winds to the south of the Low prior to approach expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas on the weekend.

For COASTAL AREAS: East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 100 km/h are expected about exposed coastal parts between Innisfail and Airlie Beach this afternoon and early evening. Damaging winds will turn east to northeasterly south of 12U later this evening and overnight, with gusts peaking around 100 km/h between Alva Beach and Proserpine.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop along the southern North Tropical Coast and Herbert and Lower Burdekin coastal areas today, and extend south into the northern parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays overnight into Sunday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 160 mm are likely. 24-hourly totals between 150 to 250 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 350 mm possible. Further inland, HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop from late tonight into Sunday morning, with six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 150 mm possible.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible about coastal areas between Tully and Airlie Beach from Saturday afternoon before extending to Mackay overnight into Sunday, particularly near and south of the low centre, with isolated six-hourly falls in excess of 230 mm possible.

Conditions could begin to ease about the North Tropical Coast early Sunday morning, but persist into Sunday over parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning has been issued. Please refer to Tropical Cyclone warnings and forecast track maps at https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/specialised-forecasts-and-observations/tropical-cyclone.

Rainfall totals and warning area is dependent on the position of the tropical low. The situation for inland areas and areas south of Mackay is being monitored and a warning will be issued if necessary.

A separate Severe Weather Warning associated with monsoonal winds is current for people in the Peninsula. Flood Watch and Warning products are also current for large parts of Queensland, including the northeast. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if intense rainfall is detected.

Underlying wet soils will make trees easier to fall about the northeast tropical coast. Landslips could also occur about steep and hilly terrain.

For all other current warnings and watches please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

Locations which may be affected include Innisfail, Palm Island, Cardwell, Ingham, Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr, Bowen, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, Proserpine, Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, Carmila, and St Lawrence.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Peninsula district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

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.