Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Parts of Gulf Country, Queensland Due to Heavy Rainfall

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDQ21033) for heavy rainfall. This is a top priority warning for immediate broadcast, classified as a major warning group type.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers people in parts of the Gulf Country Forecast District in Queensland (QLD).

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents in the warning area to take the following precautions:

• Seek Shelter: Go inside a strong building immediately and stay there until the storm has passed.
• Protect Property: Park vehicles undercover and away from trees. Close all doors and windows.
• Health Precautions: Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
• Power Readiness: Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Pet Safety: Place pets in a safe location and ensure they are properly identified.
• Travel Safety: Do not drive unless absolutely necessary, as road conditions are considered dangerous.
• Communication: Notify friends, family, and neighbors in the affected area.

Expected Conditions

A trough in the Gulf of Carpentaria is combining with a humid airmass to generate slow-moving showers and thunderstorms. These severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding within the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

• Issued: 11:09 am Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
• Duration: The current warning is effective through the afternoon, with the next update scheduled to be issued by 2:10 pm.
• Expiry: The current alert phase is set to expire at 5:09 am UTC (local time adjustments apply).