Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Peninsula, Gulf Country, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:37 am Wednesday, 15 February 2023.

Heavy rainfall for parts of Cape York Peninsula and Gulf Country today, developing along the North Tropical Coast during Thursday.

The monsoon trough and an embedded low lies over the Gulf of Carpentaria, with the trough extending across Cape York Peninsula. The low is expected to drift slowly southwards over the next couple of days, most likely making landfall on Thursday night. An area of convergence to the south of the monsoon trough is expected to develop about the North Tropical Coast overnight Wednesday before moving very slowly to the south during Thursday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is initially expected in western parts of the warning area, affecting coastal communities and islands between roughly Aurukun to Delta Downs. Heavy rainfall will extend further south and east during Wednesday evening, affecting broader parts of the Peninsula, Gulf Country and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are possible.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected to develop along the North Tropical Coast from late on Wednesday night and into Thursday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 120 and 200 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible, with six-hourly totals of 200 to 300 mm. There remains significant uncertainty over the timing and location of this threat, and a separate severe thunderstorm warning will be issued if this eventuates.

Various flood watches and warnings are current for these areas. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Burketown, Mornington Island, Normanton, Cairns, Port Douglas and Hope Vale.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.