Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:34 am Tuesday, 30 December 2025.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL RISK FOR NORTHWESTERN QUEENSLAND.

Weather Situation: A monsoon trough extends across the northwest and contains an embedded slow-moving low pressure system located near Lake Julius. This set-up is likely to generate widespread heavy rainfall across parts of northern Queensland.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue today for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 110 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible, mostly during this morning, with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 150 mm. Rainfall forecast to moderate below severe thresholds later today.

These conditions also present a risk to cattle and other livestock.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for the northeast tropical coast. Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Cloncurry, Richmond, Julia Creek and Stamford.

106 mm of rainfall was recorded at Broadwater in the 3 hours to 01:14 am today.

98 mm of rainfall was recorded at Julia Creek Airport in the 6 hours to 8:26 pm yesterday.

117 mm of rainfall was recorded at Gilliant River (northwest of Julia Creek) in the 6 hours to 1:41 pm yesterday.

122 mm of rainfall was recorded at Upper Walker Creek (east of Normanton) in the 6 hours to 7:26 am yesterday.

142 mm of rainfall was recorded at Oakland Park (east of Normanton) in the 6 hours to 7:23 am yesterday.

153 mm of rainfall was recorded at Fish Hole Creek (east of Normanton) in the 6 hours to 7 am yesterday.

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.