02/02/2025
Latest weather emergency update for Monday 3/2/25
Severe Weather Warning
for HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL
For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.
Issued at 4:37 am Monday, 3 February 2025.
HEAVY RAINFALL LIKELY, WITH LOCALLY INTENSE FALLS POSSIBLE OVER NORTHEAST QUEENSLAND.
Weather situation: An elongated low pressure system embedded within the monsoon trough is currently located across the southwestern Cape York Peninsula resulting in enhanced rainfall and winds about the northeast coast of Queensland. Very significant rainfall accumulations are expected due to the slow-moving nature of the low and trough in an airmass rich in tropical moisture.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast between Tully and Giru, and inland to the far western Herbert and Lower Burdekin district, including Townsville. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 160 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 200 mm. 24-hourly rainfall totals up to 300 mm are likely.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible between Cardwell and Yabulu, including the towns of Rollingstone, Paluma and Ingham during this period. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 180 to 280 mm are possible. 24-hourly totals of around 500 mm are possible.
A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.
Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are also possible for the islands and coastal fringe between Cardwell and Giru. Winds are forecast to ease during Monday morning.
The potential for heavy, locally intense rainfall may continue over the next few days subject to the strength and position of the trough and low.
A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for parts of northeastern Queensland. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Palm Island, Ingham, Rollingstone, Cardwell, Giru and Lucinda.
Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.
6 hour rainfall totals to 4:00am Monday AEST include:
335mm at Cardwell Gap
222mm at Gairloch
211mm at Ingham
176mm at Halifax
141mm at Paluma Dam
124mm at Rollingstone
-
Rainfall totals from 9am Sunday to 4:00am Monday AEST include:
607mm at Paluma Dam
525mm at Cardwell Gap
482mm at Pace Rd Rollingstone
465mm at Paradise Lagoon
393mm at Ingham
343mm at Halifax
294mm at Upper Black River
-
A 95km/h wind gust was observed at Lucinda at 2:15am AEST Monday.
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 am AEST Monday.
