Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

Marine Wind Warning Summary for Queensland

Issued at 02:27 PM EST on Saturday 10 January 2026
for the period until midnight EST Sunday 11 January 2026

Wind Warnings for Saturday 10 January
Gale Warning for the following areas:
Torres Strait, Cairns Coast, Townsville Coast, Mackay Coast and Great Barrier Reef Offshore
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas:
North East Gulf of Carpentaria, Peninsula Coast and Cooktown Coast

Wind Warnings for Sunday 11 January
Gale Warning for the following areas:
Cairns Coast, Townsville Coast and Mackay Coast
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas:
North East Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait and Peninsula Coast
Cancellation for the following areas:
Great Barrier Reef Offshore

The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 3:00 pm EST Saturday.
================================================================================
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.
================================================================================

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

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

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

Issued at 2:14 pm Saturday, 10 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 broad tropical low (12U) is located over the western Coral Sea and has begun moving south towards the northeast Queensland coast. The Low now has a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone this weekend before moving inland on Sunday. The strongest winds around the Low are far removed from the centre with a surge in southeasterly winds to the south of the Low prior to approach expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas on the weekend.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS for the following areas:
North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Capricornia
For COASTAL AREAS: East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 100 km/h are expected about exposed coastal parts between Innisfail and Airlie Beach this afternoon and early evening. Damaging winds will turn east to northeasterly south of 12U later this evening and overnight.
For EXPOSED COASTAL AREAS from south of Townsville to Proserpine: DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS up to 130 km/h are possible from late tonight and early Sunday morning.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop along the southern North Tropical Coast and Herbert and Lower Burdekin coastal areas today, and extend south into the northern parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays as well as the northern Capricornia overnight into Sunday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 160 mm are likely. 24-hourly totals between 150 to 250 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 350 mm possible. Further inland, HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop from late tonight into Sunday morning, with six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 150 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 from Saturday afternoon before extending to Mackay overnight into Sunday, particularly near and south of the low centre, with isolated six-hourly falls in excess of 230 mm possible.
Conditions could begin to ease about the North Tropical Coast early Sunday morning, but 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 position of the tropical low. The situation for inland areas and areas south of Mackay is being monitored and a warning will be issued if necessary.
A separate Severe Weather Warning associated with monsoonal winds is current for people in the Peninsula. Flood Watch and Warning products are also current for large parts of Queensland, including the northeast. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if intense rainfall is detected.
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 Innisfail, Palm Island, Cardwell, Ingham, Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr, Bowen, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, Proserpine, Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, Carmila, and St Lawrence.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* 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 Saturday.
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, Locally Destructive Winds

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

Issued at 2:14 pm Saturday, 10 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 broad tropical low (12U) is located over the western Coral Sea and has begun moving south towards the northeast Queensland coast. The Low now has a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone this weekend before moving inland on Sunday. The strongest winds around the Low are far removed from the centre with a surge in southeasterly winds to the south of the Low prior to approach expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas on the weekend.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and DAMAGING, LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS for the following areas:
North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Capricornia
For COASTAL AREAS: East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 100 km/h are expected about exposed coastal parts between Innisfail and Airlie Beach this afternoon and early evening. Damaging winds will turn east to northeasterly south of 12U later this evening and overnight.
For EXPOSED COASTAL AREAS from south of Townsville to Proserpine: DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS up to 130 km/h are possible from late tonight and early Sunday morning.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop along the southern North Tropical Coast and Herbert and Lower Burdekin coastal areas today, and extend south into the northern parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays as well as the northern Capricornia overnight into Sunday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 160 mm are likely. 24-hourly totals between 150 to 250 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 350 mm possible. Further inland, HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop from late tonight into Sunday morning, with six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 150 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 from Saturday afternoon before extending to Mackay overnight into Sunday, particularly near and south of the low centre, with isolated six-hourly falls in excess of 230 mm possible.
Conditions could begin to ease about the North Tropical Coast early Sunday morning, but 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 position of the tropical low. The situation for inland areas and areas south of Mackay is being monitored and a warning will be issued if necessary.
A separate Severe Weather Warning associated with monsoonal winds is current for people in the Peninsula. Flood Watch and Warning products are also current for large parts of Queensland, including the northeast. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if intense rainfall is detected.
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 Innisfail, Palm Island, Cardwell, Ingham, Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr, Bowen, Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, Proserpine, Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, Carmila, and St Lawrence.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* 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 Saturday.
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

Moderate Flood Warning For The Don River
Issued at 01:53 PM EST on Saturday 10 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 2

MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE AT BOWEN PUMP STATION OVERNIGHT SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY
Heavy to locally intense rainfall is forecast to develop across the Don River catchment during the remainder of Saturday afternoon and into Sunday. 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.
With forecast rainfall, minor flooding is likely at Bowen Pump Station from Saturday evening, and moderate flooding is possible overnight Saturday into Sunday. Higher river levels are possible with forecast rainfall. The situation is being closely monitored and warnings will be updated as required.
A Severe Weather Warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall is current for the Don River catchment. A Tropical Cyclone Advice is current across the catchment. A Flood Watch is current for the Don River and adjacent catchments.

Don River:
Moderate flooding is possible along the Don River.
The Don River at Bowen Pump Station is currently at 1.10 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Don River at Bowen Pump Station is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.50 m) from Saturday evening. The river level may exceed the moderate flood level (4.00 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 https://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 EST on Saturday 10 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Don R at Ida Ck TM,0.55,Rising,01:15 PM SAT 10/01/26
Don R at Reeves TM,1.05,Steady,01:12 PM SAT 10/01/26
Don R at Bowen Pump Stn Alert,1.10,Steady,11:04 AM SAT 10/01/26
Bowen Wharf Tide TM,2.28,Steady,01:00 PM SAT 10/01/26
Proserpine R at P Faust Dam HW TM,-2.64,Steady,01:00 PM SAT 10/01/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts.

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 10
Issued at 01:43 PM EST on Saturday 10 January 2026

Headline:
Tropical Low 12U moving closer to the northeast Queensland coast and likely to become a tropical cyclone later this afternoon.

Areas Affected:
Warning zone: Innisfail to Proserpine, including Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Bowen and Palm Island.

Watch zone: None.

Cancelled zone: None.

Details of Tropical Low 12U at 1:00 pm AEST:
Intensity: Tropical Low, sustained winds near the centre of 95 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 130 kilometres per hour.
Location: within 65 kilometres of 17.1 degrees South 147.7 degrees East, estimated to be 260 kilometres north northeast of Townsville and 205 kilometres east of Cairns.
Movement: south at 17 kilometres per hour.
Tropical low (12U) is located in the Coral Sea between the North Tropical Coast and Flinders Reef and is continuing to move south-southwest, towards the Queensland coast.
Tropical Low 12U is forecast to reach tropical cyclone intensity later this afternoon as a category 2 system. The coastal crossing is forecast for early Sunday morning between Ingham and Bowen.

Hazards:
DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 130 km/h are possible from late tonight and early Sunday morning, more likely offshore or about exposed coastal locations from south of Townsville to Proserpine.
GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 100 km/h are expected to develop over coastal areas between Innisfail and Airlie Beach, this afternoon or evening. Gales may extend to Proserpine and adjacent inland areas in the evening and tonight.
Gales are expected to ease as the system crosses the coast and moves inland during Sunday.
HEAVY RAINFALL, which may lead to FLASH FLOODING, is forecast to develop from Innisfail to Proserpine during today. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL, which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING, is possible between Tully and Proserpine later today.
Tides are likely to be higher than normal between Innisfail and Proserpine 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 and central Queensland coasts. Flood Watches and Warnings are also current.

Recommended Action:
People between Innisfail and Proserpine, including Innisfail, Townsville, Palm Island, Bowen and Airlie Beach, should take precautions and listen to the next advice at 5 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, Australia

Flood Watch For Coastal Rivers Between Cooktown To Rockhampton And The Cape York Peninsula
Issued at 12:10 PM AEST on Saturday 10 January 2026
Flood Watch Number: 23
MINOR TO MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS COASTAL RIVERS BETWEEN COOKTOWN TO ROCKHAMPTON AND THE CAPE YORK PENINSULA

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Jacky Jacky Creek
Olive and Pascoe Rivers
Lockhart River
Stewart River
Normanby River
Jeannie River
Endeavour River
Daintree River
Mossman River
Barron River
Murray River
Belyando and Suttor Rivers to Burdekin Falls Dam
Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam
Don and Proserpine Rivers
Pioneer River
Connors, Isaac and Styx Rivers and Plane Creek
Mackenzie and Fitzroy Rivers and Shoalwater and Water Park Creeks
Staaten River
Mitchell River
Coleman and Edward Rivers
Holroyd and Kendall Rivers
Archer and Coen Rivers
Watson River
Embley and Mission Rivers
Wenlock River
Ducie, Jackson and Skardon Rivers
Jardine River

Flood warnings are current for the following catchment(s) : Daintree, Mulgrave and Russell, Tully, Herbert, Ross, Bohle, Black, Haughton, Upper Burdekin, Lower Burdekin, Don, Upper Flinders, Lower Flinders, Norman, Gilbert, Georgina and Eyre, Diamantina and Thomson

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood

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 Flood Watch will be issued by 01:00 PM AEST on Sunday 11 January 2026.

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.