Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy Rainfall

for parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:36 pm Thursday, 1 January 2026.

Heavier falls with thunderstorms continuing in parts of northern Queensland this afternoon.

Weather Situation
A tropical low and associated trough lying across the northwest and northern interior of Queensland continue to generate slow moving storms and heavier falls this afternoon. In the southeast more isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central West
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Hughenden, Richmond, Abergowrie, Stamford and Cloney's Creek.
Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Gulf Country and North West districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.
A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for the northeast tropical coast. Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Central and Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.
124 mm rainfall was recorded at Giru (south of Townsville) in 2 hrs to 2:32 pm.
Cancellation for the following areas:
Gulf Country,North West

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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 warning is due to be issued by 8:40 pm.
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 Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy Rainfall

for parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:36 pm Thursday, 1 January 2026.

Heavier falls with thunderstorms continuing in parts of northern Queensland this afternoon.

Weather Situation
A tropical low and associated trough lying across the northwest and northern interior of Queensland continue to generate slow moving storms and heavier falls this afternoon. In the southeast more isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central West
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Hughenden, Richmond, Abergowrie, Stamford and Cloney's Creek.
Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Gulf Country and North West districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.
A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for the northeast tropical coast. Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Central and Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.
124 mm rainfall was recorded at Giru (south of Townsville) in 2 hrs to 2:32 pm.
Cancellation for the following areas:
Gulf Country,North West

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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 warning is due to be issued by 8:40 pm.
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 Haughton River Catchment
Issued at 04:30 PM AEST on Thursday 01 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 2

MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE AT GIRU OVERNIGHT THURSDAY
Moderate to heavy rainfall has been recorded across the Haughton River catchment. Heavy falls over Major Creek have resulted in rapid river level rises. Further rainfall is forecast tonight and over the coming days. Minor flooding is likely to develop along the Haughton River at Giru on Thursday evening, with further rises and the potential for moderate flooding overnight Thursday into Friday.
River level rises have also been observed along Alligator Creek, which peaked near the moderate flood level (6.0 m) around 2:00 pm Thursday. Minor flooding is currently occurring along Alligator Creek.
A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is current for the Haughton catchment, and a Flood Watch is current for adjoining catchments

Major Creek:
River levels are elevated with further rises expected along Major Creek
Haughton River:
Moderate flooding is possible along the Haughton River.
The Haughton River at Giru is currently at 0.58 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Haughton River at Giru is likely to exceed the minor flood level (1.80 m) Thursday evening. The river may reach around the moderate flood level (2.10 m) overnight Thursday into Friday. Further rises are possible.

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 08:00 PM AEST on Thursday 01 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Haughton River at Mt Piccaninny,0.80,falling,4:15 pm Thu 01/01/26
Major Creek upstream Haughton River,6.37,rising,3:00 pm Thu 01/01/26
Haughton River at Powerline,4.05,rising,4:25 pm Thu 01/01/26
Haughton River at Giru,0.58,falling,4:11 pm Thu 01/01/26

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
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy Rainfall

for parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast District.

Issued at 4:29 pm Thursday, 1 January 2026.

Heavy rainfall possible along the Townsville coast this afternoon, more likely overnight tonight.

Weather Situation
Converging winds positioned southeast of Townsville are combining with a very humid airmass to bring areas of heavy rain near the coast. This convergence is expected to begin moving back towards the northwest along the coast later this evening, to be positioned around Townsville tonight.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Herbert and Lower Burdekin
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible for coastal areas between areas east of Townsville and west of Bowen this afternoon. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 100 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 180 mm possible near the coast. HEAVY RAINFALL is expected to ease temporarily later this afternoon or early evening.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely to re-develop later this evening along the coast between Ingham and Ayr, including Townsville. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 150 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 200 mm possible.
Separate Severe Thunderstorm and Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Palm Island, Ayr, Rollingstone, Giru and Alva Beach.
152 mm was recorded at Giru in the 3 hours to 2:59pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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 Rainfall

for parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast District.

Issued at 4:29 pm Thursday, 1 January 2026.

Heavy rainfall possible along the Townsville coast this afternoon, more likely overnight tonight.

Weather Situation
Converging winds positioned southeast of Townsville are combining with a very humid airmass to bring areas of heavy rain near the coast. This convergence is expected to begin moving back towards the northwest along the coast later this evening, to be positioned around Townsville tonight.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Herbert and Lower Burdekin
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible for coastal areas between areas east of Townsville and west of Bowen this afternoon. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 100 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 180 mm possible near the coast. HEAVY RAINFALL is expected to ease temporarily later this afternoon or early evening.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely to re-develop later this evening along the coast between Ingham and Ayr, including Townsville. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 150 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 200 mm possible.
Separate Severe Thunderstorm and Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Palm Island, Ayr, Rollingstone, Giru and Alva Beach.
152 mm was recorded at Giru in the 3 hours to 2:59pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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

Marine Wind Warning Summary for Queensland

Issued at 03:00 PM EST on Thursday 01 January 2026
for the period until midnight EST Friday 02 January 2026

Wind Warnings for Thursday 01 January
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas:
Cairns Coast and Townsville Coast

Wind Warnings for Friday 02 January
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas:
Cairns Coast and Townsville Coast

The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 9:00 pm EST Thursday.
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Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecast or Local
Waters Forecast at http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/map.shtml for information on wind,
wave and weather conditions for these coastal zones.
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