Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Queensland TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall for parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central West Forecast Districts. Issued at 5:36 pm Thursday, 1 January 2026. Heavier falls with thunderstorms continuing in parts of northern Queensland this afternoon. Weather Situation A tropical low and associated trough lying across the northwest and northern interior of Queensland continue to generate slow moving storms and heavier falls this afternoon. In the southeast more isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon. HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central West Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Hughenden, Richmond, Abergowrie, Stamford and Cloney's Creek. Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Gulf Country and North West districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED. A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for the northeast tropical coast. Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Central and Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information. 124 mm rainfall was recorded at Giru (south of Townsville) in 2 hrs to 2:32 pm. Cancellation for the following areas: Gulf Country,North West 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 warning is due to be issued by 8:40 pm. 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.