Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:40 am Friday, 20 December 2024.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL IS FORECAST TO CONTINUE TODAY AND SATURDAY MORNING.

Weather Situation: A trough associated with a developing tropical low over the tropical north is combining with a southeasterly surge to produce persistent showers and rain areas with embedded thunderstorms for parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin, and Central Coast and Whitsundays districts today and through Saturday morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue from near Ingham to areas to the north of Mackay today and through Saturday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 160 to 200 mm are likely for coastal regions, and 100 to 150 mm for inland areas.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible near the low's centre over the Herbert and Lower Burdekin tonight and through Saturday morning with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 250 mm, most likely near the coast.

Heavy, locally intense rainfall is forecast to ease below warning thresholds during the late morning or afternoon.

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

A Flood Watch and multiple Flood Warnings are also current for the area, please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Bowen, Townsville, Palm Island, Ayr, Proserpine and Giru.

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.