Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Peninsula and parts of Gulf Country, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:00 am Wednesday, 29 December 2021.

Monsoonal rain and squalls across far North Queensland and Torres Strait.

Weather Situation: A tropical low is located over the central Gulf of Carpentaria with a strong monsoonal flow to its north. The low is expected to move eastwards over southern Cape York Peninsula today. It is then forecast to continue moving across the tropical north Qld, reaching the Coral Sea on Thursday morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to flash flooding are expected for an area southwest of Weipa to Coen. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 140 mm are likely. Localised heavier falls up to 180 mm are also possible over coastal communities about the Gulf coast, over inland areas between Georgetown and Palmerville, and over the east coast north of Port Douglas.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS, with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are forecast north of about Kowanyama, extending eastwards across the northern Peninsula during the day.

Locally DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS, with peak gusts in excess of 125 km/h are also possible with thunderstorms north of about Cairns. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous storms are detected.

A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Gulf Country, Cape York Peninsula and North Tropical Coast catchments. For more information on weather warnings in Queensland, refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/.

Locations which may be affected include Georgetown, Lockhart River, Weipa, Thursday Island, Croydon, Kowanyama, Coen, Aurukun, Hope Vale, Julatten and Napranum.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.