Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gulf Country Forecast District.

Issued at 10:48 am Thursday, 1 February 2024.

HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS IN THE NORTHWEST AROUND EX-TROPICAL CYCLONE KIRRILY

Weather situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently located just north of Burketown. The system is expected to be slow moving and should linger near the coast during Thursday and into Friday morning, before it starts to move southwards from Friday afternoon or evening.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected in parts of the Gulf Country during Thursday and into Friday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 and 150 mm are likely. 24-hourly totals between 100 and 200 mm with isolated falls of 300mm are also possible.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible close to the low, particularly on the southern flank of the system from this evening. Isolated six-hourly totals between 150 and 200 mm are possible, with 24-hourly totals exceeding 300 mm possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

Locally DAMAGING WINDS from the west to northwest averaging 60 to 70 km/h are possible on the coastal fringe, including on Mornington Island and other nearby islands, from Thursday evening. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS in excess of 90 km/h are also possible over northern parts of the warning area from Thursday afternoon.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds are likely to return to the North West district over the weekend as the system tracks to the south.

A Flood Watch and several Flood Warnings are also current for the Central West, Channel Country and Gulf of Carpentaria catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Mornington Island, Normanton, Doomadgee, Burketown, Karumba and Augustus Downs Station.

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

Significant rainfall observations in the 24 hours to 9am Thursday:

161 mm recorded at Lower Lawn Hill 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.