Media Statement - Festive Weather System Update #1

Published on 27 December 2025

The following to be attributed to Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Ramon Jayo, Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

• A flood watch has been issued by the Bureau, which includes the Herbert catchment.
• A tropical low embedded in the monsoon trough lying through northwest Queensland is expected to deepen and slowly drift southeast over the weekend.
• This low and trough will combine with deep tropical moisture to produce scattered showers and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls Friday and Saturday, before rainfall becomes widespread and potentially intense from Sunday and continues into next week.
• Along the east coast, a coastal trough will move north and become slow-moving from Sunday between Ayr and Cairns, producing prolonged heavy rainfall along the coast. The exact location of the heaviest falls remains uncertain and will depend on the location of the trough.
• At this stage, the watch issued is for possible flooding, and we won’t know if a flood will eventuate or not, and if so, how big or small, as that again depends on where the rain might fall and how much rain actually falls.
• These aspects will become clearer over the next few days.
• But what we do know is that we need to be prepared in case a flood does transpire. This is our trigger to ensure our disaster preparations are finalized. No need to panic, but we need to be prepared for the “WHAT IF.”
• Have you got your emergency kit ready and essential supplies, including medication, in place?
• It is important that you keep abreast of what is happening. This can be done by watching through all media channels. Keep an eye on the BOM website or the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard.
• Regular updates can also be heard on ABC Radio and other commercial channels received in your area. Talk to your neighbours so that we all ensure we are on the same page.
• The Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group is monitoring the situation and will issue relevant notices if and when required to keep you informed as best as possible.