Severe weather warning update: At 4am AEST Sunday 30 December, a slow-moving tropical low was...

Severe weather warning update:

At 4am AEST Sunday 30 December, a slow-moving tropical low was located about 80km east-southeast of Lockhart River. The system is currently embedded within the strengthening monsoon trough, which extends from the Arafura Sea and into the northern Gulf of Carpentaria and Coral Sea. The embedded tropical low is expected to slowly deepen today while moving slowly west onto Cape York Peninsula. Uncertainty persists regarding whether the system will move further west into the Gulf of Carpentaria or remain over Cape York Peninsula late today and into Monday. Regardless of its movement, the tropical low and monsoon trough are expected to produce areas of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, and localised damaging wind gusts.

Six hourly rainfall totals between 120mm to 180mm are likely over coastal and adjacent inland areas north of about Cairns, and extending west across the Peninsula during Sunday. Isolated heavier falls are possible, particularly with embedded thunderstorms.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts up to 90km/h are possible from this afternoon.

A flood watch is current for coastal catchments north of Cardwell, including catchments in the Cape York Peninsula.

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.

* Motorists do not drive through or attempt to drive through flooded roadways, causeways or creeks.

* Do not to swim in flooded creeks, causeways or drains during current heavy rainfall periods

* Parents - during this school holiday period, please advise children of the dangers of swimming in or playing near flooded waterways.

Be prepared and stay safe.