Corporate Documents

BOM weather briefing issued 09/01/2026 07.56am

Key messages: 

1. Monsoonal rain is starting to occur across the Cape and through Torres Strait, while a renewed period of heavy to locally intense rain is forecast to develop about the north Queensland coast during today and into Saturday – Severe Weather Warnings are current. This rain event is currently expected to continue over the weekend, while extending further south along the central Queensland coast and possibly to adjacent inland areas through the northern and central interior of the state.

2. Dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding will become a risk along the Queensland east coast, particularly in areas between about Hope Vale and Ayr, including Cairns and Townsville, over the next few days since catchments are saturated and will respond quickly to any further heavy, short duration rainfall. Localised landslides can also not be discounted in this event.

3. Tropical low 12U is slowly developing and is expected to move across the north Queensland coast, between Port Douglas and Ayr, later Saturday or during early Sunday morning, before tracking over the northern and central interior of the state. At this stage, there is a moderate (i.e. 25-45%) chance of this system intensifying into a tropical cyclone prior to moving onto the north Queensland coast – the issue of a Tropical Cyclone Watch or Warning is under consideration.

4. Damaging winds with gusts in excess of 90km/h may develop about the northern Cape and through Torres Strait during today and Saturday, and along the north Queensland coast, depending on the movement and development of tropical low 12U.

5. An initial Major Flood Warning is expected to be issued for the Haughton River today, while numerous other Flood Warnings are current for catchments across northern and western Queensland. This will be a protracted flood event for northwest Queensland with an extended period of isolation expected for some communities.

6. A Flood Watch continues for remaining coastal catchments between Cape Melville and St. Lawrence, Cape Rivers and adjacent inland catchments across northern and central Queensland – Minor to Major flooding will be possible in the coming days.

BOM Weather Briefing Issued 08/01/2026 07:16: 

1. Monsoonal rain is starting to occur across the Cape and through Torres Strait, with a renewed period of heavy to locally intense rain likely to develop about the tropical east coast during Friday – a Severe Weather Warning has been issued. This rain event is currently expected to continue into the weekend, while extending further south into parts of central Queensland and possibly to adjacent inland areas through the northern and central interior of the state.

2. Dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding will become an increased risk along the Queensland east coast, particularly in areas between about Hope Vale and Ayr, including Cairns and Townsville, over the next few days since catchments are saturated and will respond quickly to any further heavy, short duration rainfall.

3. Tropical low 12U is slowly developing in the northwest Coral Sea and is expected to move across the tropical east coast of Queensland on Saturday before tracking towards the Gulf of Carpentaria. At this stage, there is a moderate (i.e. 25-35%) chance of this system intensifying into a tropical cyclone prior to moving onto the Queensland coast.

4. Damaging winds with gusts around 90km/h may develop about the Torres Strait Islands during Friday and Saturday, and along the tropical east coast of Queensland, depending on the movement and development of tropical low 12U.

5. A Major Flood Warning continues for the Flinders River, while numerous other Flood Warnings are current for catchments across northern and western Queensland. This will be a protracted flood event for northwest Queensland with an extended period of isolation expected for many communities.

6. A Flood Watch continues for coastal catchments between Cape Melville and Mackay and some adjacent inland catchments across northern and central Queensland – Minor to Major flooding will be possible in the coming days. The Flood Watch may be extended to include additional Cape Rivers in the next few days.

Weather Briefing Update 06/01/2026

Council advises road users that Bull Creek Crossing frequently goes under water due to the prevailing severe rainfall weather conditions. Do not attempt to cross flood waters. Road closed signs and barricades have been installed at the Hope Vale approaches. They will be kept in place during flooded road conditions.

The public is also advised that water levels have been rising on other crossings on Elim Beach Road, McIvor Road, other roads on the Council Roads network and the Regional Network. Travel safely - please do not attempt to cross flooded crossings.