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 Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:36 am Monday, 28 January 2019.

Heavy rain remains a risk in areas of north Queensland during today and overnight.

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 about the coast and adjacent inland areas between Lucinda and the area just north of Mackay during today and overnight. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 100mm to 150mm are likely with locally heavier falls possible with thunderstorms.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts in excess of 90km/h, are possible about the coast and islands between Lucinda and Ayr during this morning and the early afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Ingham, Townsville, Giru, Ayr, Collinsville, Palm Island, Bowen, Proserpine, Charters Towers, and Hamilton Island.

A Flood Watch is current for catchments from Innisfail to Proserpine. Various Flood Warnings are also current for north Queensland: refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Selected observations in the 24 hours to 9am AEST Monday:
184mm at Mt Sophia
168.6mm at Hamilton Island
164mm at Cardwell Range
88km/h wind gust at Lucinda at 8am AEST Monday
Severe weather is no longer occurring in the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.
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.