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AUSTRALIAN WARNING SYSTEM | SEVERE WEATHER ADVICE | STAY INFORMED

Advice as at 1pm Friday, 6 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 located just offshore of Cairns, with the expectation to cross the coast somewhere between Cairns and Ingham over the next few hours. The monsoon trough extends inland from this low and will become the focus of heavy rainfall into the evening and overnight period about the northern interior.

The monsoon trough is expected to weaken on Saturday morning and with it decrease the risk of widespread heavy rainfall.

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast to develop over parts of the northern inland this evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 100 mm are likely, with isolated totals up to 130 mm possible.

Heavy to intense rainfall is no longer expected about coastal parts of the northeast, so the warning for these parts has been cancelled.

A slight risk of locally heavy rainfall still persists for coastal parts of northeast and central Queensland this evening and into Saturday morning, however. If heavy rainfall is expected to develop here, then a Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued for the affected areas.

Heavy rainfall is expected to ease about the warning area during Saturday morning. For storm help call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

Possible Impacts:

  • Persistent rain may 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 the 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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