Media Statement - Festive Weather System Update #3

Published on 28 December 2025

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

• A monsoonal rain event with heavy to locally intense falls, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, is forecast to develop across northwest Queensland and through the northern interior of the state during today and should continue until at least Tuesday – a Severe Weather Warning is current.
• Heavy rain along our coastline, as forecast, was experienced last night with a consistent amount of 140 mm to 200 mm received across the lower Herbert catchment area (Nash's Crossing down).
• Slight rises are occurring throughout the Herbert, but all stations are recording below minor flood levels at present, with no expectation of any significant rises to follow at this stage.
• The forecast remains for further rainfall development to occur between Cairns and Ayr during today, with this activity expected to increase and become more likely into Monday and Tuesday – a Severe Weather Warning is likely to be issued today.
• We will let you know once we receive further briefings from the Bureau during the course of the day.
• Please continue to monitor the BOM and Council's Disaster Dashboard for updated information and notices.