Media Statement - Festive Weather System Update #6

Published on 29 December 2025

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

The forecast remains with rain to continue and the possibility of Heavy Rainfall, which may lead to Flash Flooding, between Cairns and north of Rollingstone tonight, persisting through to Tuesday (30/12) morning.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 180 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 220 mm possible. A Severe Weather Warning remains in place.
Rises in the Herbert and Stone Rivers are being observed due to the continuous moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the Lower Herbert catchment downstream of Nash's Crossing over the past two days. River rises will continue, and present modelling indicates that Minor Flood levels may be reached from Tuesday (30/12) morning.
An initial Minor Flood Warning has been issued for all stations along our river, although, as indicated to you earlier, there is a possibility that Halifax will go to moderate or slightly better as all the local water travels through.
Please bear in mind that this scenario may change if heavy rains not yet experienced occur in the upper catchment. Only isolated moderate totals are being observed in the Upper Herbert catchment at present.
Flood levels at Minor or Moderate (in Halifax) will not normally affect roads or property. However, the consistent heavy rain being experienced will have a compounding effect as already wet and swollen drainage systems struggle to cope.
Have a look at the “Flood Height Comparison Chart” on Council’s Disaster Dashboard for a better understanding of what impacts may be expected at what river level.
Please take care if driving on roads tonight. Details of present road closures can be found on Council’s Disaster Dashboard.
As always, we urge you to keep a close eye on the BOM and Council’s Disaster Dashboard so you are abreast of any sudden changes to the forecast in the current weather system.