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 4:48 am Saturday, 27 January 2024.
EX-TROPICAL CYCLONE KIRRILY TO PRODUCE HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL OVER PARTS OF WESTERN QUEENSLAND.

Weather Situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was located approximately 100 km west of Winton at 04:00 am AEST. It is forecast to become slow moving during today and Sunday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is occurring about the southwestern parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, southeastern Gulf Country and northwestern Central West districts. HEAVY RAINFALL is forecast to extend further inland towards the eastern North West district today. 6-hourly rainfall totals between 70 to 110 mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals up to 130 mm.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible for areas between Winton, Boulia and Cloncurry. Isolated 6-hourly totals between 120 to 150 mm are possible, with 24-hourly totals of around 180 mm possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

Severe weather will remain in western Queensland this weekend, subject to the position and strength of ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

A Flood Watch is also current for much of western Queensland and Gulf of Carpentaria catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

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

95 mm of rainfall recorded in the 6 hours to 8:32 pm Friday at Winton Airport.
96 mm of rainfall recorded in the 6 hours to 10:11 am Friday at Dutton River.
69.6 mm of rainfall recorded in the 1 hour to 9:35 am Friday at Hughenden Airport.

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.