Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:23 am Saturday, 1 February 2025.

HEAVY FALLS LIKELY OVER NORTHEAST QUEENSLAND THIS WEEKEND, WITH POSSIBLE INTENSE FALLS.

Weather situation: deep tropical moisture from the northern hemisphere is flowing into a low situated on the coast near Innisfail. Rain is expected to continue around the low over the weekend, and increase through today as the winds flowing into the low increase. Very significant rainfall accumulations are expected over the weekend.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS and LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible between Babinda and Townsville, and inland to the eastern Tablelands, including the towns of Innisfail, Tully, Cardwell, Ingham and Rollingstone. Intense rain becoming more likely through today, with isolated 6 hour totals possibly reaching 230 to 280 mm. There is uncertainty as to exactly where the heaviest falls will occur.

Elsewhere in the warning area HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible, and will become more likely later today. 6 hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 180 mm are likely, with isolated totals possibly reaching up to 220 mm.

24 hour rainfall totals of 200 to 300 mm are also likely over the broader warning area, with less widespread falls of up to 500 mm.

STRONG TO DAMAGING WINDS averaging 50 to 65 km/h with peak gusts to around 90 km/h are also possible from this afternoon for the islands and coastal strip between Innisfail and Townsville.

The potential for heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging winds may continue into early next week.

Various flood warnings and watches are in place over Northeast Queensland. See www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Palm Island, Ingham, Innisfail, Ayr, Home Hill, Cardwell, Tully, Giru, Ravenshoe and Lucinda.

In the 6 hours up to 2am AEST, the following rainfall was observed:

182mm at Sutties Creek

162mm at Maalan Road

159mm at Crawfords Lookout

143mm at Bulgan Creek

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.