Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Queensland TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall for parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast District. Issued at 4:29 pm Thursday, 1 January 2026. Heavy rainfall possible along the Townsville coast this afternoon, more likely overnight tonight. Weather Situation Converging winds positioned southeast of Townsville are combining with a very humid airmass to bring areas of heavy rain near the coast. This convergence is expected to begin moving back towards the northwest along the coast later this evening, to be positioned around Townsville tonight. HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Herbert and Lower Burdekin HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible for coastal areas between areas east of Townsville and west of Bowen this afternoon. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 100 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 180 mm possible near the coast. HEAVY RAINFALL is expected to ease temporarily later this afternoon or early evening. HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely to re-develop later this evening along the coast between Ingham and Ayr, including Townsville. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 150 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 200 mm possible. Separate Severe Thunderstorm and Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information. Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Palm Island, Ayr, Rollingstone, Giru and Alva Beach. 152 mm was recorded at Giru in the 3 hours to 2:59pm. Emergency services advise people to: * 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. The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Thursday. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.