Media Statement - Festive Weather System Update #9

Published on 31 December 2025

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

• And it just won’t give up.
  Heavy rainfall again last night, with Halifax recording 229mm.
• The forecast remains for heavy rainfall possible along the northeast coast today.
• The Herbert River remains below minor flood levels, but it is expected to continue rising throughout the day, given the extensive rain received across the lower Herbert catchment yesterday and early this morning.
• How high it will rise is not able to be determined at the moment due to the nature of the continuing rain, but we should remember that a warning for possible flooding to minor flood levels remains in place, and that is our benchmark for now.
• As I indicated last night, if the river does get to a minor flood level, then Anabranch Bridge and Halifax Washway will be compromised, so please bear that in mind as you go about your business today.
• There is a lot of surface water around on roads at the moment due to the tremendous rain last night, so please take care and observe all signage if you are driving about.