Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

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

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

Issued at 5:08 pm Friday, 9 January 2026.

A tropical low approaches the northeast tropical coast, bringing heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging winds from later today, continuing over the weekend.

Weather Situation
A tropical low (12U) is located over the western Coral Sea and will begin moving south towards the northeast Queensland coast over the next few days. The low now has a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone before moving inland during the weekend, most likely early on Sunday. To the south of the low, a surge in southeasterly winds is expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas on the weekend.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Peninsula, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields
For COASTAL AREAS: East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are expected about exposed coastal parts north of Tully, including north of Port Douglas. Damaging winds will extend south along the coast throughout the warning area on Saturday, and will turn east to northeasterly south of 12U on Saturday afternoon and evening.
For areas SOUTH of PORT DOUGLAS: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop north of Townsville from overnight tonight, and extend south through the remainder of the coast into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 170 mm are likely. Further inland, HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop from late Saturday night into Sunday morning, with six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 and 150 mm are possible. 24-hourly totals between 200 to 275 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 400 mm possible.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible about coastal areas between Tully and Airlie Beach on Saturday, particularly, near and south of the low centre, with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible.
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.
A Tropical Cyclone Warning has been issued. Please refer to Tropical Cyclone warnings and forecast track maps at https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/specialised-forecasts-and-observations/tropical-cyclone.
Rainfall totals and warning area is dependent on the development and position of the tropical low. The tropical low is being monitored closely and forecast track maps will continue to 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.
Underlying wet soils will make trees easier to fall about the northeast tropical coast. Landslips could also occur about steep and hilly terrain.
For all other current warnings and watches please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
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, Charters Towers, 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 Friday.
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 Herbert and Lower Burdekin and parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Peninsula Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:08 pm Friday, 9 January 2026.

A tropical low approaches the northeast tropical coast, bringing heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging winds from later today, continuing over the weekend.

Weather Situation
A tropical low (12U) is located over the western Coral Sea and will begin moving south towards the northeast Queensland coast over the next few days. The low now has a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone before moving inland during the weekend, most likely early on Sunday. To the south of the low, a surge in southeasterly winds is expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas on the weekend.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Peninsula, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields
For COASTAL AREAS: East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are expected about exposed coastal parts north of Tully, including north of Port Douglas. Damaging winds will extend south along the coast throughout the warning area on Saturday, and will turn east to northeasterly south of 12U on Saturday afternoon and evening.
For areas SOUTH of PORT DOUGLAS: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop north of Townsville from overnight tonight, and extend south through the remainder of the coast into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 170 mm are likely. Further inland, HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop from late Saturday night into Sunday morning, with six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 and 150 mm are possible. 24-hourly totals between 200 to 275 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 400 mm possible.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible about coastal areas between Tully and Airlie Beach on Saturday, particularly, near and south of the low centre, with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible.
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.
A Tropical Cyclone Warning has been issued. Please refer to Tropical Cyclone warnings and forecast track maps at https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/specialised-forecasts-and-observations/tropical-cyclone.
Rainfall totals and warning area is dependent on the development and position of the tropical low. The tropical low is being monitored closely and forecast track maps will continue to 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.
Underlying wet soils will make trees easier to fall about the northeast tropical coast. Landslips could also occur about steep and hilly terrain.
For all other current warnings and watches please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
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, Charters Towers, 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 Friday.
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
Tropical Cyclone Advice
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Media: The Standard Emergency Warning Signal should NOT be used with this warning.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 3
Issued at 04:49 PM EST on Friday 09 January 2026

Headline:
Tropical Low 12U is developing off the northeast Queensland coast, with impacts expected on Saturday.

Areas Affected:
Warning zone: Port Douglas to Airlie Beach, including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville and Bowen.

Watch zone: None.

Cancelled zone: None.

Details of Tropical Low 12U at 4:00 pm AEST:
Intensity: Tropical Low, sustained winds near the centre of 65 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 95 kilometres per hour.
Location: within 65 kilometres of 14.5 degrees South 148.2 degrees East, estimated to be 375 kilometres northeast of Cairns and 550 kilometres north northeast of Townsville.
Movement: slow moving.
A tropical low (12U) is developing in the Coral Sea, northwest of Willis Island. It is expected to turn towards the south southwest later today, taking it towards the North Tropical Coast overnight. It is forecast to cross the coast between Innisfail and Bowen, most likely early on Sunday.
Tropical Low 12U is forecast to reach tropical cyclone intensity prior to reaching the coast. However, the heavy rainfall and damaging wind impacts are likely to be similar whether or not it becomes a tropical cyclone.

Hazards:
GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 100 km/h may develop over exposed coastal areas and elevated terrain between Port Douglas and Tully, including Cairns, on Saturday morning if the system tracks further west than forecast.
GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 100 km/h are forecast to develop about coastal areas between Tully and Airlie Beach on Saturday afternoon or evening, and persist until the system crosses the coast on Sunday morning.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop about coastal and adjacent inland areas north of Townsville overnight tonight and Saturday. HEAVY RAINFALL is forecast to extend south to Airlie Beach during Saturday. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible between Tully and Airlie Beach on Saturday.
Tides are likely to be higher than normal between Port Douglas and Airlie Beach over the weekend, but should not exceed the highest tide of the year.
A Severe Weather Warning is also current for heavy to locally intense rainfall and damaging winds about the northeast tropical Queensland coast. Flood Watches and Warnings are also current.

Recommended Action:
People between Port Douglas and Airlie Beach, including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, and Bowen, should take precautions and listen to the next advice at 8 pm.
- Stay informed by checking your local government s Disaster Dashboards for the latest updates.
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit the Get Ready Queensland website www.getready.qld.gov.au
IF YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER PHONE TRIPLE ZERO (000) IMMEDIATELY. For non-life threatening emergency assistance contact State Emergency Services (SES) online via the SES Assistance QLD App (Apple, Android), online 132500.qld.gov.au, or call 132 500 from anywhere in Queensland.

Cyclone advices and DFES Alerts are available by dialling 13 DFES (13 3337)

A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at:
http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Haughton River Catchment
Issued at 04:35 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 2

MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT GIRU SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Heavy to locally intense rainfall is forecast to develop across the Haughton River catchment from overnight Friday. The timing and the location of the heaviest falls will depend on the development and track of the tropical low. This rainfall is likely to result in rapid river and creek level rises across the catchment, where major flooding is possible at Giru from late Saturday afternoon, with forecast rainfall.
This situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for the Haughton River Catchment. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy to locally intense rainfall is current for the Haughton catchment.

Major Creek:
Rapid creek level rises and elevated creek levels are expected along Major Creek from Saturday morning, with forecast rainfall.
Haughton River:
Major flooding is possible along the Haughton River at Giru, with forecast rainfall.
The Haughton River at Giru is currently at 0.48 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
During early Saturday afternoon the Haughton River at Giru is likely to exceed the minor flood level (1.80 m) and may exceed the moderate flood level (2.10 m). The river may exceed the major flood level (2.50 m) late Saturday afternoon. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

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 09:00 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Haughton River at Mt Piccaninny,0.10,steady,11:28 am Fri 09/01/26
Major Creek upstream Haughton River,2.40,steady,4:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Haughton River at Powerline,1.25,steady,1:35 pm Fri 09/01/26
Haughton River at Giru,0.48,steady,1:57 pm Fri 09/01/26

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

Major Flood Warning For The Herbert River
Issued at 03:47 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 16

MAJOR FLOODING LIKELY ALONG LOWER HERBERT CATCHMENT WITH FORECAST RAINFALL FROM SATURDAY
Recent moderate to heavy rainfall has resulted in elevated river levels across the Herbert River catchment. Major flooding is likely across the Lower Herbert catchment from Saturday with forecast rainfall.
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. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy to locally intense rainfall is current for the Herbert River catchment.

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 above 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:
Major flooding is likely at Ingham Pump Station, Gairloch and Halifax from Saturday into Sunday. Moderate flooding is likely at Abergowrie Bridge from Saturday afternoon.
The Herbert River at Abergowrie Bridge is currently at 3.77 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 Friday into Saturday. The river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (10.00 m) Saturday afternoon. Further river level rises are possible with forecast rainfall.

The Herbert River at Ingham Pump Station is currently at 4.09 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) Saturday afternoon. The river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (11.00 m) Saturday evening. The river may exceed the major flood level (12.00 m) Saturday evening.

The Herbert River at Gairloch is currently at 4.04 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Herbert River at Gairloch is likely to exceed the minor flood level (9.50 m) Saturday afternoon. The river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (10.50 m) Saturday evening. The river may exceed the major flood level (11.50 m) early Sunday morning.

The Herbert River at Halifax is currently at 1.91 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Herbert River at Halifax is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) Saturday afternoon. The river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (4.50 m) Saturday afternoon. The river may exceed the major flood level (5.00 m) Saturday evening.

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 10:00 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Wild River at Silver Valley,2.17,steady,3:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Rudd Creek at Gunnawarra,4.25,steady,3:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Gleneagle,3.18,steady,3:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Blencoe Creek at Blencoe Falls,2.76,steady,3:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Nash's Crossing,2.15,steady,3:43 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Zattas,1.75,steady,2:55 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Abergowrie,3.89,steady,3:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Abergowrie Bridge,3.77,falling,3:24 pm Fri 09/01/26
Stone River at Peacock Siding,1.15,steady,3:15 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Trebonne,4.35,falling,2:26 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Ingham Pump Station,4.09,falling,2:55 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Gairloch,4.04,steady,2:57 pm Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Halifax,1.91,steady,2:37 pm Fri 09/01/26
Lucinda Offshore Tide,2.99,steady,3:07 pm Fri 09/01/26

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

Initial Minor Flood Warning For The Burdekin River
Issued at 12:35 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 1

MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT CLARE AND INKERMAN BRIDGE (BURDEKIN BRIDGE) FROM OVERNIGHT SATURDAY
MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT DALBEG AND SELLHEIM (MACROSSAN BRIDGE) FROM SUNDAY MORNING
Heavy to locally intense rainfall is forecast to develop across parts of the Burdekin River catchment from overnight Friday. The timing and the location of the heaviest falls will depend on the development and track of the tropical low. This rainfall is likely to result in rapid river and creek level rises. Minor flooding is possible for Clare and Inkerman Bridge (Burdekin Bridge) from overnight Saturday, and possible at Dalbeg and Sellheim (Macrossan Bridge) from Sunday morning. Minor flooding is possible at Burdekin Dam from Monday morning.
This situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for adjoining catchments. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy to locally intense rainfall is current for parts of the Burdekin catchment.

Burdekin River to Burdekin Falls Dam:
Minor flooding is possible along the Burdekin River to Burdekin Falls Dam, with forecast rainfall.
The Burdekin River at Sellheim (Macrossan Bridge) is currently at 3.80 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Burdekin River at Sellheim (Macrossan Bridge) may reach around the minor flood level (12.00 m) Sunday morning, with forecast rainfall.

The Burdekin Dam is currently at 1.86 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Burdekin Dam may reach around the minor flood level (3.00 m) Monday morning, with forecast rainfall.

Burdekin River downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam:
Minor flooding is possible along the Burdekin River downstream of Burdekin Falls, with forecast rainfall.
The Burdekin River at Dalbeg is currently at 6.88 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Burdekin River at Dalbeg may exceed the minor flood level (10.00 m) Sunday morning. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

The Burdekin River at Clare is currently at 6.70 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Burdekin River at Clare may exceed the minor flood level (9.00 m) overnight Saturday into Sunday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

The Burdekin River at Inkerman Bridge (Burdekin Bridge) is currently at 5.25 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Burdekin River at Inkerman Bridge (Burdekin Bridge) may exceed the minor flood level (7.00 m) overnight Saturday into Sunday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

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 02:00 PM AEST on Saturday 10 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Burdekin River at Mt Fullstop,3.58,steady,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Paluma Dam,-0.52,steady,11:41 am Fri 09/01/26
Running River at Mt Bradley,1.40,steady,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Star River at Laroona,2.59,falling,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin River at Gainsford,4.14,steady,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Keelbottom Creek at Keelbottom,1.54,steady,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin River at Sellheim,3.80,falling,10:51 am Fri 09/01/26
Alpha Creek at Rivington,0.07,steady,12:26 pm Fri 09/01/26
Belyando River at Belyando Crossing,3.21,steady,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Suttor River at St Anns,1.38,steady,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Cape River at Pentland,2.05,steady,12:20 pm Fri 09/01/26
Cape River at Taemas,2.86,steady,10:40 am Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin Dam,1.86,steady,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Bowen River at Myuna,0.66,steady,12:00 pm Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin River at Dalbeg,6.88,falling,12:02 pm Fri 09/01/26
Bogie River at Strathbogie,1.12,steady,4:51 am Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin River at Millaroo,7.15,falling,12:28 pm Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin River at Clare,6.70,falling,11:50 am Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin River at Inkerman Bridge,5.25,steady,11:35 am Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin River at Rita Island,-1.85,steady,11:36 am Fri 09/01/26
Burdekin River at Groper Creek,1.04,rising,12:16 pm Fri 09/01/26

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.