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
Queensland

Marine Wind Warning Summary for Queensland

Issued at 05:04 PM EST on Friday 09 January 2026
for the period until midnight EST Saturday 10 January 2026

Wind Warnings for Friday 09 January
Gale Warning for the following areas:
North East Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait, Cooktown Coast, Cairns Coast and Townsville Coast
Strong Wind Warning for the following areas:
Peninsula Coast and Mackay Coast

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

The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 9:00 pm EST Friday.
================================================================================
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 Damaging Winds

for parts of Peninsula Forecast District.

Issued at 4:53 pm Friday, 9 January 2026.

Damaging winds about the Torres Strait and northwest Cape York Peninsula from tonight into Sunday.

Weather Situation
The monsoon trough is situated over far northern Cape York Peninsula and is expected to slowly move south over the coming days. A strong burst of monsoonal northwesterly winds is likely develop to the north of the trough during today, bringing the risk of damaging winds to the northwest of Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait islands.
DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Peninsula
Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of 90 km/h are possible about northern parts of Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait Islands, including Thursday Island, from this afternoon. Winds are expected to persist through Saturday before easing early Sunday morning.
Bursts of moderate rainfall in squally monsoonal showers and thunderstorms are also expected.
A separate Severe Weather Warning and forecast track map associated with Tropical Low 12U is current for people in the northeast tropical coast. Several flood watches and warnings are also current for large parts of Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
Locations which may be affected include Thursday Island, Bamaga, Old Mapoon and the Torres Strait Islands.

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 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 Damaging Winds

for parts of Peninsula Forecast District.

Issued at 4:53 pm Friday, 9 January 2026.

Damaging winds about the Torres Strait and northwest Cape York Peninsula from tonight into Sunday.

Weather Situation
The monsoon trough is situated over far northern Cape York Peninsula and is expected to slowly move south over the coming days. A strong burst of monsoonal northwesterly winds is likely develop to the north of the trough during today, bringing the risk of damaging winds to the northwest of Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait islands.
DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
Peninsula
Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of 90 km/h are possible about northern parts of Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait Islands, including Thursday Island, from this afternoon. Winds are expected to persist through Saturday before easing early Sunday morning.
Bursts of moderate rainfall in squally monsoonal showers and thunderstorms are also expected.
A separate Severe Weather Warning and forecast track map associated with Tropical Low 12U is current for people in the northeast tropical coast. Several flood watches and warnings are also current for large parts of Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
Locations which may be affected include Thursday Island, Bamaga, Old Mapoon and the Torres Strait Islands.

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 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, Australia

Flood Watch For Coastal Rivers Between Cooktown To Rockhampton And The Cape York Peninsula
Issued at 12:41 PM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026
Flood Watch Number: 22
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
Johnstone River
Tully River
Murray River
Black River
Ross and Bohle Rivers
Haughton River
Belyando and Suttor Rivers to Burdekin Falls Dam
Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam
Burdekin River to Burdekin Falls Dam
Burdekin River downstream of 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, Johnstone, Tully, Herbert, Black, Ross and Bohle, Haughton, Burdekin to Burdekin Falls Dam, Burdekin downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam, Nicholson, Leichhardt, 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 Saturday 10 January 2026.