Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall And Damaging Winds

for parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:50 pm Thursday, 8 January 2026.

A tropical low approaches the northeast tropical coast, bringing heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging winds on Friday and into the weekend.

Weather Situation
A broad tropical low (12U) has formed in the Coral Sea and will begin slowly moving towards the northeast Queensland coast over the next few days. The low is expected to move inland over the weekend. To the south of the low, a surge in southeasterly winds is also expected to bring a risk of damaging winds to coastal areas. Shower and thunderstorm activity is expected to become more widespread with areas of heavy rainfall developing on Friday and continuing over the weekend.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays
For the NORTH TROPICAL COAST north of, and including, CAIRNS:
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop during Friday and continue into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 100 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 180 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals 100 to 180 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible.
East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are also possible during Friday and Saturday about coastal areas, including the reef, particularly in showers and thunderstorms.
For the NORTH TROPICAL COAST south of CAIRNS, the HERBERT AND LOWER BURDEKIN and parts of the CENTRAL COAST AND WHITSUNDAYS:
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop north of Townsville from Friday afternoon and extend south through the remainder of the warning area overnight Friday and into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 170 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible. 24-hourly totals between 150 to 250 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 350 mm possible.
East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are also expected about exposed coastal parts during Friday, particularly in showers and thunderstorms, and continue throughout Saturday, as the winds shift northeasterly during the afternoon and evening.
Conditions could begin to ease about the North Tropical Coast north of Innisfail by Saturday evening, but are likely to persist into Sunday over parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays.
Rainfall totals and warning area is dependent on the development and location of the tropical low. The tropical low is being monitored closely and a forecast track map has been issued. If further strengthening is likely then a Tropical Cyclone Advice and Watch may be issued. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if intense rainfall is detected.
A separate Severe Weather Warning associated with monsoonal winds has been issued for people in the Peninsula. Flood Watch and Warning products are also current for large parts of Queensland, including the northeast.
For all other current warnings and watches, please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
Underlying wet soils will make trees easier to fall about the northeast tropical coast. Landslips could also occur about steep and hilly terrain.
Locations which may be affected include Hope Vale, Cooktown, Bloomfield Valley (including Wujal Wujal), Port Douglas, Cairns, Yarrabah, Mareeba, Atherton, Innisfail, Palm Island, Cardwell, Ingham, Townsville, Ayr, Bowen, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands. Proserpine, and Mackay.

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.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Thursday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall And Damaging Winds

for parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:50 pm Thursday, 8 January 2026.

A tropical low approaches the northeast tropical coast, bringing heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging winds on Friday and into the weekend.

Weather Situation
A broad tropical low (12U) has formed in the Coral Sea and will begin slowly moving towards the northeast Queensland coast over the next few days. The low is expected to move inland over the weekend. To the south of the low, a surge in southeasterly winds is also expected to bring a risk of damaging winds to coastal areas. Shower and thunderstorm activity is expected to become more widespread with areas of heavy rainfall developing on Friday and continuing over the weekend.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays
For the NORTH TROPICAL COAST north of, and including, CAIRNS:
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop during Friday and continue into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 100 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 180 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals 100 to 180 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible.
East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are also possible during Friday and Saturday about coastal areas, including the reef, particularly in showers and thunderstorms.
For the NORTH TROPICAL COAST south of CAIRNS, the HERBERT AND LOWER BURDEKIN and parts of the CENTRAL COAST AND WHITSUNDAYS:
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop north of Townsville from Friday afternoon and extend south through the remainder of the warning area overnight Friday and into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 170 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible. 24-hourly totals between 150 to 250 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 350 mm possible.
East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are also expected about exposed coastal parts during Friday, particularly in showers and thunderstorms, and continue throughout Saturday, as the winds shift northeasterly during the afternoon and evening.
Conditions could begin to ease about the North Tropical Coast north of Innisfail by Saturday evening, but are likely to persist into Sunday over parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays.
Rainfall totals and warning area is dependent on the development and location of the tropical low. The tropical low is being monitored closely and a forecast track map has been issued. If further strengthening is likely then a Tropical Cyclone Advice and Watch may be issued. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if intense rainfall is detected.
A separate Severe Weather Warning associated with monsoonal winds has been issued for people in the Peninsula. Flood Watch and Warning products are also current for large parts of Queensland, including the northeast.
For all other current warnings and watches, please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
Underlying wet soils will make trees easier to fall about the northeast tropical coast. Landslips could also occur about steep and hilly terrain.
Locations which may be affected include Hope Vale, Cooktown, Bloomfield Valley (including Wujal Wujal), Port Douglas, Cairns, Yarrabah, Mareeba, Atherton, Innisfail, Palm Island, Cardwell, Ingham, Townsville, Ayr, Bowen, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands. Proserpine, and Mackay.

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.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Thursday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Moderate Flood Warning For The Herbert River
Issued at 12:19 PM AEST on Thursday 08 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 14

RENEWED MINOR TO MODERATE FLOODING LIKELY ACROSS THE CATCHMENT WITH FORECAST RAINFALL OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS
Recent moderate to heavy rainfall has resulted in elevated river levels across the Herbert River catchment. Renewed minor to moderate flooding is likely across the catchment from overnight Friday and over the next few days with forecast rainfall.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the coming days. This situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for adjoining catchments.

Herbert River to Nash's Crossing:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Herbert River at Gleneagle.
No observations are currently available for the Herbert River at Gleneagle Homestead. Based on the nearby automatic gauge, river levels are estimated to be around the minor flood level.
The Herbert River at Gleneagle Homestead is likely to remain around the minor flood level (4.50 m) during the next few days. Further river level rises are possible with forecast rainfall over the weekend.

Herbert River downstream of Nash's Crossing:
Moderate flooding is likely at Abergowrie Bridge, Ingham Pump Station, Gairloch and Halifax over the next few days.
The Herbert River at Abergowrie Bridge is currently at 4.92 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Herbert River at Abergowrie Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level (6.00 m) overnight Thursday into Friday. Further river level rises are likely with forecast rainfall over the weekend.

The Herbert River at Ingham Pump Station is currently at 5.34 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Herbert River at Ingham Pump Station is likely to exceed the minor flood level (10.00 m) from Saturday morning. Further river level rises are likely with forecast rainfall over the weekend.

The Herbert River at Gairloch is currently at 5.24 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Herbert River at Gairloch is likely to exceed the minor flood level (9.50 m) from Saturday morning. Further river level rises are likely with forecast rainfall over the weekend.

The Herbert River at Halifax is currently at 2.61 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Herbert River at Halifax is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) from Friday morning. The river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (4.50 m) from Saturday morning. Further river level rises are possible with forecast rainfall over the weekend.

Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 12:30 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Wild River at Silver Valley,2.18,steady,11:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Rudd Creek at Gunnawarra,4.74,falling,11:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Gleneagle,4.15,falling,11:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Blencoe Creek at Blencoe Falls,2.37,steady,11:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Nash's Crossing,3.05,falling,11:59 am Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Zattas,2.30,falling,11:56 am Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Abergowrie,4.75,falling,11:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Abergowrie Bridge,4.92,falling,11:36 am Thu 08/01/26
Stone River at Peacock Siding,1.30,steady,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Trebonne,5.35,falling,11:48 am Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Ingham Pump Station,5.34,falling,11:41 am Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Gairloch,5.24,falling,12:08 pm Thu 08/01/26
Herbert River at Halifax,2.61,falling,11:37 am Thu 08/01/26
Lucinda Offshore Tide,3.15,rising,12:07 pm Thu 08/01/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Minor Flood Warning For The Upper Burdekin And Cape Rivers
Issued at 03:27 PM AEST on Tuesday 06 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 6

MINOR FLOODING LIKELY AT TAEMAS AND POSSIBLE AT BURDEKIN DAM WEDNESDAY MORNING
RENEWED RISES AND MINOR FLOODING ARE POSSIBLE AT SELLHEIM LATER THIS WEEK
Moderate to heavy rainfall over the weekend has caused river level rises across the upper Burdekin River and its tributaries.
A moderate peak was observed Sunday night along the Cape River at Pentland. Further downstream at Taemas, minor flooding is likely to develop from Wednesday morning, with further rises possible as inflows arrive from multiple tributaries.
Along the upper Burdekin River, Sellheim peaked just below the minor flood level overnight Monday. Renewed rises and minor flooding are possible at Sellheim from later this week as upstream flows arrive. Further downstream, minor flooding is possible at Burdekin Dam from Wednesday morning.
Further showers and storms are forecast across the catchment through to midweek. This situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as necessary.
A Flood Watch is current for adjoining catchments.

Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam:
Minor flooding is likely along the Cape River at Taemas.
The Cape River at Taemas is currently at 3.86 m and rising, below the minor flood level.
The Cape River at Taemas is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.00 m) Wednesday morning. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

Burdekin River to Burdekin Falls Dam:
Renewed rises and minor flooding are possible along the upper Burdekin River at Sellheim. Minor flooding is possible at Burdekin Dam.
The Burdekin River at Sellheim is currently at 9.15 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
Renewed rises and minor flooding (12.00 m) are possible along the Burdekin River at Sellheim later this week as upstream flows arrive.

The Burdekin Dam is currently at 2.30 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Burdekin Dam may reach around the minor flood level (3.00 m) Wednesday morning.

Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 10:30 AM AEST on Wednesday 07 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Burdekin River at Mt Fullstop,5.31,falling,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Paluma Dam,-0.63,steady,2:42 pm Tue 06/01/26
Running River at Mt Bradley,2.06,falling,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Star River at Laroona,4.52,falling,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin River at Gainsford,7.72,falling,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Keelbottom Creek at Keelbottom,1.89,steady,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin River at Sellheim,9.15,falling,3:04 pm Tue 06/01/26
Alpha Creek at Rivington,0.12,steady,12:58 pm Tue 06/01/26
Belyando River at Albro Station,0.50,steady,9:00 am Wed 31/12/25
Belyando River at Belyando Crossing,1.50,rising,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Suttor River at St Anns,1.17,steady,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Cape River at Pentland,2.42,steady,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Cape River at Taemas,3.86,rising,1:45 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin Dam,2.30,steady,3:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Bowen River at Myuna,0.70,steady,2:00 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin River at Dalbeg,7.08,rising,3:02 pm Tue 06/01/26
Bogie River at Strathbogie,1.12,steady,1:51 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin River at Millaroo,6.40,rising,2:50 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin River at Clare,5.70,rising,2:41 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin River at Inkerman Bridge,4.25,rising,2:35 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin River at Rita Island,-3.20,steady,3:06 pm Tue 06/01/26
Burdekin River at Groper Creek,1.04,falling,3:13 pm Tue 06/01/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.