Whitsundays News. Local News from around and about the Whitsundays: QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain

Threat Level AMBER

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Herbert and Lower Burdekin and parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields Forecast Districts.

Issued at 9:10 am Sunday, 27 January 2019.

High risk of heavy rain and flooding across areas of north Queensland during today and into tonight.

Weather Situation: The monsoon trough currently extends across far north Queensland and is forecast to shift slowly southwards over north Queensland during today.

Heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, is forecast around the tropical east coast and adjacent inland areas between Cairns and Bowen today. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 100mm to 150mm are likely with locally heavier falls possible with thunderstorms. LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND FLOODING will remain a risk during today and into tonight with six-hourly rainfall totals in excess of 250mm possible.

Heavy rainfall may extend southwards towards the Whitsundays and adjacent inland areas on Monday. Depending on the movement of the monsoon trough it is possible that this heavy rainfall may extend a little further south than currently forecast.

Although areas north of Cairns, including the Daintree, have been removed from the current warning area there continues to be the risk of severe thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall in the area today. If this scenario were to occur, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings would be issued as necessary.

A Flood Watch is current for areas north of Ayr to Normanton excluding the far northern Cape York Peninsula north of Weipa.

Locations which may be affected include Cairns, Townsville, Yarrabah, Palm Island, Ingham, Innisfail, Mareeba, Atherton, Tully, Cardwell, Bowen, Proserpine and Charters Towers.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Peninsula district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Selected rainfall observations in the 24 hours to 9am AEST Sunday:

471.6mm at Whyanbeel Valley

425mm at China Camp

387mm at Saddle Mountain

316mm at Cairns Airport

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.