HLDMG Advice - Prepare Now, Severe Weather

Published on 09 January 2026

Issued: 7.00am Friday 9 January 2026

Next update: as the situation changes.

Hinchinbrook LDMG advises people in the following location:

  • Hinchinbrook Shire

to PREPARE NOW for severe weather that is expected to begin impacting from today.

What are we expecting?

The Bureau of Meteorology advises HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop north of Townsville from Friday afternoon and extend south overnight Friday and into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 170 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible with isolated falls in excess of 250 mm possible. 24-hourly totals between 150 to 250 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 350 mm possible.

East to southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with wind gusts around 90 km/h are also expected about exposed coastal parts during Friday, particularly in showers and thunderstorms, and continue throughout Saturday, Prepare now because conditions could become dangerous. For storm help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app

  • Very heavy rain making it dangerous to drive, flash flooding is possible.
  • Strong winds causing debris like fallen trees, powerlines could come down and the power could go out.

What you need to do:

  • Keep medications supplies close by.
  • Consider parking your car under cover and away from trees, powerlines, and drains.
  • Consider securing or putting away items, such as outdoor furniture, trampolines and roofing iron that could blow around in strong winds.
  • Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
  • Tell friends, family, and neighbours in the area.
  • If anyone in your house uses powered medical equipment, like a dialysis machine or ventilator, decide now where you will go in case you lose power.

If you are a tourist, visitor, camper or caravanner:

  • Campers and caravanners should consider packing up now or secure your campsite.
  • Be prepared to move if the situation gets worse.

For more information:

  • Follow our local council disaster dashboard
  • Listen to your local ABC radio 630 AM.
  • For power outage information go to www.ergon.com.au
  • Check the latest weather, warnings, rainfall, and river heights at the Bureau of Meteorology Queensland website.
  • Check road closures at the QLD Traffic website or for phone service call 13 19 40.
Tagged as:
Back to top