Weather Warning

This warning affects:Central West, Gulf Country, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, North West and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders.

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

  • Issued by the Bureau of Meteorology

IDQ21037

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

Severe Weather Warning

Issued at 4:39 AM EST on Monday 29 Dec 2025.

Weather Situation

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL RISK CONTINUES FOR NORTHWESTERN QUEENSLAND AND THE NORTHEAST TROPICAL COAST TODAY.

Weather Situation: A monsoon trough extends across the northwest and contains an embedded low pressure system located southeast of Burketown. This low is expected to continue strengthening as it gradually tracks south to southeast. Over the Northeast Tropical Coast, enhanced onshore winds are forecast to strengthen and converge today. Together, these systems are likely to generate widespread heavy rainfall across parts of northern Queensland.

For NORTHWEST QUEENSLAND: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 75 to 120 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 180 mm.

Areas of heavy rainfall about northwest Queensland are forecast to persist into early next week, with locations and rainfall totals subject to the position and strength of the low pressure system. These conditions also present a risk to cattle and other livestock.

For NORTHEAST TROPICAL COAST: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop for areas between Cairns and north of Townsville today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 120 to 200 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 260 mm.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Burketown, Mornington Island, Normanton, Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, Doomadgee, Richmond, Julia Creek, Camooweal, Ingham and Croydon.

Significant rainfall observations to 4:00 am:

117 mm was recorded at Oakland Park (near Croydon) in the 6 hours to 1:57 am.

196 mm was recorded at South Mission Beach in the 6 hours to 8:13 pm.

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.

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.