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AUSTRALIAN WARNING SYSTEM | SEVERE WEATHER ADVICE | STAY INFORMED

This warning has expired. Advice as at 5pm Thursday, 5 March 2026.

STAY INFORMED — Atherton Tablelands Region — Heavy, locally intense rainfall developing from this afternoon.

Warning level — ADVICE

Warning area — For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.

This warning is issued by Tablelands Regional Council.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises Tropical Low 29U is offshore of Port Douglas, with heavy showers and thunderstorms extending along the monsoon trough through the Daintree and along the northeast coast to Innisfail. The low is expected to move onshore late tomorrow morning near Cardwell, but the heaviest rainfall is forecast to be further north of the system centre.

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast on the North Tropical Coast north of Innisfail. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 160 mm are likely, and 24-hourly rainfall totals of 350 mm are possible. Locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is possible during this evening through to Friday morning, with six-hourly totals up to 220 mm.

Rainfall is expected to extend inland later on Friday as the low moves onshore. The location of any areas of heavy rain beyond Friday remains highly uncertain.

For storm help call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

 Possible Impacts:

  • Very heavy rain will make it dangerous to drive.
  • Flash flooding in some areas.
  • The power could go out.
  • Public transport could stop.

What you should do:

  • Check or make an emergency kit and find out how to get ready for severe weather at Get Ready Queensland.
  • Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and severe weather can trigger asthma attacks.
  • Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.

 If you find it hard to move quickly or have special medical needs

  • Use your Person-Centred Emergency Plan now if you have one.
  • Make sure you have medication close by and accessible.
  • If anyone in your house uses powered medical equipment, like a dialysis machine or ventilator, decide now how you will manage/where you will go in case you lose power.
  • Call your support person or service to organise transport if you need to leave. Leaving early is safer than waiting.

If you are camping, caravanning or outdoors:

  • Start securing your campsite.
  • Be ready to move people, pets, camping gear and vehicles to shelter if dangerous storms come.
  • If you’re outdoors, plan to return to your car, home or campsite. If you can’t, decide now where you will shelter if the storm comes.

Sandbags:

If you require sandbags to help protect your home, emergency sandbags and sand are available at no charge for residential use only, for those needing them as a priority. Public collection sites include:

  • Atherton Showgrounds — Louise Street and Robert Street, Atherton
  • Malanda Showgrounds — Thomas Street and Park Avenue, Malanda
  • Ravenshoe State School car park — Ascham Street and Kidner Street, Ravenshoe.

Supplies will be limited, so we ask that you please ensure not to take more than you need, particularly large quantities. You can always return and collect more if needed. Please bring your own shovel to load sand and fill bags.

For members of the community who are unable to collect sandbags themselves and don’t have someone who can help, please call 132 500 to request SES assistance.

More information:

The next update will be when the situation changes.

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