Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands Forecast District.

Issued at 3:18 am Thursday, 12 December 2024.

Severe thunderstorms with intense rainfall about Cairns.

Weather Situation: A surface trough positioned over central and northern Queensland is combining with high humidity to produce slow-moving severe thunderstorms.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches, Yarrabah and Redlynch.

103mm was recorded at Cairns Aero guage in the 1 hour to 3am.

114 mm was recorded at Sarich's (west of Mackay) in 2 hours to 10:20 pm.

64 mm was recorded at Wairuna Rd in 1 hour to 6:58 pm.

78 mm was recorded at Strathpark in 1 hour to 4:42 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.