Australia's official weather forecasts & weather radar - Bureau of Meteorology

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Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in Peninsula and parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:34 am Sunday, 30 December 2018.

Heavy rain and damaging winds likely across far north Queensland, a slow-moving tropical low was located near the far north Queensland coast, about 65km south-southeast of Lockhart River. The tropical low is situated along a strengthening monsoon trough, which extends across the northern Gulf of Carpentaria and Coral Sea.

The tropical low is forecast to deepen today while moving in a westwards direction across Cape York Peninsula. At this stage, there is a moderate (20-50%) chance that the low may form into a tropical cyclone in either the Gulf of Carpentaria or northern Coral Sea over the next few days. Regardless of its future movement and development, the tropical low and monsoon trough are expected to produce areas of heavy rainfall, damaging winds and elevated tides across far north Queensland, including Torres Strait.

Areas of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, are likely across far north Queensland during today and Monday. Six hourly rainfall totals between 120mm to 180mm are likely and isolated, heavier falls are possible with any thunderstorm activity. A Flood Watch remains current for coastal catchments north of Cardwell, including catchments across the Cape York Peninsula.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts in excess of 90km/h, are possible across far north Queensland from later this afternoon. These damaging winds are expected to become more likely into Monday, particularly about Torres Strait and Cape York.

Tides are expected to become higher than predicted through Torres Strait over the next couple of days and it is possible that some islands may see water levels that approach the Highest Astronomical Tide on the high tide on Monday.

Locations which may be affected include Lockhart River, Weipa, Aurukun, Old Mapoon, Coen, the Torres Strait Islands, Cooktown, Musgrave, Laura, Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Port Douglas.

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.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEST Sunday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

River Crossings:

Little Annan - at 10.22am the river was 1.35m below the bridge and falling.

McLeod River – at 10.59am the river was 1.75m over the causeway and rising.

Bushy Creek – at 10.21am the river was 0.66m above the bridge and slowly falling

Laura River North Crossing – at 10.44am the river was 0.50m over the bridge and steady

Archer River – at 11.11am the river was 0.30m over the causeway and rising.