30/01/2019
*** PEOPLE IN THE TOWNSVILLE AREA SHARE THIS POST ***
*** DANGEROUS RAINFALL SITUATION DEVELOPING ***
*** Standard emergency warning signal now being used***
⚠️Severe Thunderstorm Warning ⚠️
for HEAVY RAINFALL
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
⚠️ Transmitters serving the area Toolakea, Bluewater and Upper Black River are REQUESTED TO USE THE STANDARD EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNAL BEFORE BROADCASTING THIS MESSAGE. ⚠️
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.
Issued at 12:17 pm Wednesday, 30 January 2019.
Very Intense thunderstorms occurring from Toolakea to Upper Black River
Weather Situation:
Rain with embedded thunderstorms, which are producing localised intense rainfall, are occurring across Herbert and Lower Burdekin, more specifically a swath from Toolakea and Upper Black River. Heavy and intense rainfall may extend over Townsville later this afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Palm Island, Ingham, Cardwell, Abergowrie and Lucinda.
Toolakea has recorded 133mm in under 2 hours
Upper Black River has recorded 158mm in under 2 hours.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 3:20 pm.
