Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding for North Tropical Coast and Peninsula Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a TOP PRIORITY Severe Weather Warning (IDQ21037) for heavy rainfall. This alert is currently active for residents in parts of the Peninsula and the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Affected Areas

The warning area covers the region between Mossman and just north of Cape Flattery. Specific locations that may be affected include:

• Hope Vale
• Wujal Wujal
• Cooktown
• Daintree Village
• Laura

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents in the warning zone to take the following actions:

• Go inside a strong building and stay inside until the storm has passed.
• Do not drive unless absolutely necessary as conditions are dangerous.
• Park your car undercover and away from trees.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks.
• Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Ensure pets are in a safe place and properly identified.
• Notify friends, family, and neighbors in the area.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is developing due to Tropical Low 29U and a monsoon trough. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 mm and 160 mm are likely. Isolated 24-hourly rainfall totals of up to 350 mm are possible. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are currently extending along the Daintree coast.

Timeline

The heavy rainfall is developing today, Thursday, March 5, 2026. Tropical Low 29U is expected to move onshore south of Ingham on Friday morning, with rainfall expected to extend further inland later that day. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 5:00 pm AEST Thursday.