Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Issued for Northern Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall. This high-priority alert is currently in effect for several districts in northern Queensland following the movement of Tropical Low 29U.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the following forecast districts:

• Peninsula
• Gulf Country
• North Tropical Coast and Tablelands
• Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders
• Herbert and Lower Burdekin

Specific locations that may be impacted include Georgetown, Croydon, Forsayth, Mount Garnet, Chillagoe, and Einasleigh.

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents in the affected areas to take the following precautions:

• Stay Indoors: Move inside a strong building and stay there until the storm has passed.
• Travel Safety: Do not drive unless absolutely necessary as conditions are dangerous.
• Property Protection: Park vehicles undercover and away from trees; close all doors and windows.
• Health and Communication: Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks. Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Pet Safety: Place pets in a safe location and ensure they can be identified if they get lost.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast to develop over the northern inland this evening. Meteorologists expect six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 100 mm, with isolated totals reaching up to 130 mm. Significant rainfall has already been observed, including 42 mm at Wooroora and 39 mm at Ravenshoe within 30-minute periods on Friday afternoon.

Timeline

Tropical Low 29U crossed the coast near Innisfail on Friday afternoon. Heavy rainfall is expected to intensify over the northern interior this evening and persist throughout the overnight period. The monsoon trough is expected to weaken on Saturday morning, March 7, leading to a decrease in the risk of widespread heavy rainfall.