Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Herbert River
Issued at 11:01 AM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 15

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 3.87 m and steady, 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 4.24 m and steady, 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 4.19 m and falling, 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 1.86 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 04:00 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Wild River at Silver Valley,2.17,steady,10:00 am Fri 09/01/26
Rudd Creek at Gunnawarra,4.32,steady,10:00 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Gleneagle,3.24,steady,10:00 am Fri 09/01/26
Blencoe Creek at Blencoe Falls,2.76,steady,10:00 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Nash's Crossing,2.20,steady,10:57 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Zattas,1.80,steady,9:13 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Abergowrie,3.97,steady,10:00 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Abergowrie Bridge,3.87,steady,10:41 am Fri 09/01/26
Stone River at Peacock Siding,1.20,steady,9:24 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Trebonne,4.45,falling,10:16 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Ingham Pump Station,4.24,steady,10:20 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Gairloch,4.19,falling,10:46 am Fri 09/01/26
Herbert River at Halifax,1.86,steady,9:07 am Fri 09/01/26
Lucinda Offshore Tide,2.46,rising,10:35 am 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
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 10:56 am 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. To the south of the low, a surge in southeasterly winds is expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas. Bands of shower and thunderstorm activity are expected to become more widespread with areas of heavy rainfall developing today that will continue through 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 south of PORT DOUGLAS, 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 overnight tonight, and extend south through the remainder of the warning area into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 170 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible from Saturday morning near and south of the low centre, with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible. 24-hourly totals between 200 to 275 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 400 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 north of Tully, including north of Port Douglas, from this afternoon. 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 .
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 between Port Douglas and Tully, and a Tropical Cyclone Watch has been issued between Tully and Airlie Beach. 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, including various Flood 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, 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 5:00 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 parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:56 am 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. To the south of the low, a surge in southeasterly winds is expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas. Bands of shower and thunderstorm activity are expected to become more widespread with areas of heavy rainfall developing today that will continue through 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 south of PORT DOUGLAS, 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 overnight tonight, and extend south through the remainder of the warning area into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 170 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible from Saturday morning near and south of the low centre, with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible. 24-hourly totals between 200 to 275 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 400 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 north of Tully, including north of Port Douglas, from this afternoon. 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 .
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 between Port Douglas and Tully, and a Tropical Cyclone Watch has been issued between Tully and Airlie Beach. 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, including various Flood 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, 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 5:00 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
Flash 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 1
Issued at 10:51 AM 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 Tully, including Cairns and Innisfail

Watch zone: Tully to Airlie Beach, including Townsville and Bowen

Cancelled zone: None.

Details of Tropical Low 12U at 10:00 am 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 14.3 degrees South 148.4 degrees East, estimated to be 405 kilometres northeast of Cairns and 580 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 likely to cross the coast between Cairns and Ayr late Saturday or early Sunday.
Tropical Low 12U is now 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 wind gusts to 100 km/h are forecast to develop over exposed coastal areas and elevated terrain between Cairns and Tully on Saturday morning, and may extend north to include Cairns and Port Douglas if the system tracks further west than forecast.
GALES with wind gusts to 100 km/h may extend further south to coastal areas between Tully and Airlie Beach later on Saturday.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop about coastal and adjacent inland areas north of Townsville overnight Friday into Saturday. HEAVY RAINFALL is forecast to extend south to Airlie Beach on 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, 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 Tully, including Cairns and Innisfail, should take precautions and listen to the next advice at 2 pm.
- People between Tully and Airlie Beach, including Townsville and Bowen, should stay informed.
- 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
- 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

Initial Major Flood Warning For The Haughton River Catchment
Issued at 09:58 AM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 1

MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT GIRU LATE SATURDAY MORNING
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 morning, 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 overnight Friday, 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 Saturday morning 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 morning. 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 05:00 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Haughton River at Mt Piccaninny,0.10,falling,9:25 am Fri 09/01/26
Major Creek upstream Haughton River,2.44,steady,9:00 am Fri 09/01/26
Haughton River at Powerline,1.30,steady,7:35 am Fri 09/01/26
Haughton River at Giru,0.48,steady,7:57 am 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

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.