Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:37 am Thursday, 27 January 2022.

Heavy rainfall developing over northeast coastal areas

Weather Situation: A local area of converging winds associated with the monsoon trough is currently located over coastal areas of the northeast tropical coast. This system is forecast to remain slow-moving tonight and through Thursday before shifting north on Friday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue over coastal communities and islands between roughly Cardwell to Bowen through Thursday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 140 and 180 mm are likely within the warning area.

Areas of HEAVY RAINFALL may extend northward over the Cassowary Coast overnight on Thursday and through Friday.

A Flood Watch for the area is also current, please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Palm Island, Ingham, Ayr, Bowen, Giru and Lucinda.

131 mm of rain recorded at Stony Creek (SW of Townsville) in 1 hour to 8:59 pm. 277 mm recorded in 3 hours to 11:00 pm.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* 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.