Key Takeaways:
- A tropical low is forecast to intensify into a category two cyclone off the coast of north Queensland, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain.
- The warning zone stretches from Innisfail to Airlie Beach, including Townsville, Bowen, and Proserpine.
- Residents are urged to prepare for flash and riverine flooding, with rainfall totals expected to exceed 250mm in 24 hours.
- Premier David Crisafulli says the state is "better prepared than ever" for the weather event, with assets pre-positioned and emergency services on standby.
- Water restrictions are in place in Cairns, with residents urged to restrict water usage to drinking, cooking, and washing only.
Introduction to the Weather Event
The residents of north Queensland are bracing themselves for the impact of a tropical low that is forecast to intensify into a category two cyclone. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the system will bring damaging winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour and heavy rain to already saturated catchments, increasing the risk of flash and riverine flooding. The warning zone stretches from Innisfail to Airlie Beach, including Townsville, Bowen, and Proserpine, with gale-strength winds expected to hit the coast by 4 pm.
Forecast and Warning
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast that the tropical low will develop into a cyclone later in the afternoon, with destructive wind gusts of up to 130 kilometers per hour likely to hit coastal locations from south of Townsville to Proserpine from late tonight and early into tomorrow morning. The system is expected to bring rainfall totals of more than 250mm in 24 hours, with the possibility of multi-day totals in excess of 500mm from Innisfail to Proserpine. This may lead to the chance of dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and riverine flooding, particularly in Townsville stretching down the coast to St Lawrence.
Preparations and Emergency Services
Premier David Crisafulli has stated that the state is "better prepared than ever" for the weather event, with assets pre-positioned and emergency services on standby. The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has issued a Watch and Act alert, urging residents to prepare to take shelter now. The Burdekin Shire has also issued the same alert. Two places of refuge are open in Townsville, and residents are advised to phone Triple Zero in an emergency. Palm Island, which is just north of Townsville, has been cut off from the mainland, with flights and ferries cancelled, and several high-risk residents have been evacuated.
Community Response
Communities from Hope Vale to Ayr have been preparing for strong winds and heavy-to-intense rainfall, with many residents still recovering from last year’s summer flooding. Reegan Davis, a social worker from Tully, said that the town was well-rehearsed in disasters, but some residents were anxious about what may be in store. Services like Centacare have been helping and encouraging homeless locals to find places to stay with family and friends or through support services. In Cardwell, longtime resident Dianne Bach, who was caught off guard when her property flooded for the first time in February 2025, is preparing for the worst, with her husband building flood gates to protect their property.
Water Restrictions
Cairns residents have been urged to restrict water usage to drinking, cooking, and washing only, with level 4 water restrictions now in place. Deputy Mayor Brett Olds said that this was a precautionary measure, as the treatment centers could be forced to shut down due to sediment stirred up by heavy rainfall. With only enough water for a few days’ supply in the 72 reservoirs in Cairns, the restrictions are in place to extend the time available for potable water.
Latest Updates
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of an "evolving situation," with tropical low 12U expected to develop into a category 1 cyclone. The low is currently around 350km northeast of Townsville, and the rainfall that wraps around it is very concerning. The Townsville airport will close from 4 pm, with the hope that it will reopen on Sunday. Premier David Crisafulli has stated that the main concern remains the rainfall, which can lead to flooding in a large part of the state on the coast. The heavy rainfall may continue into next week, and residents are advised to stay updated with the latest warnings and forecasts.