A coastal trough is forecast to move north and become slow-moving from Sunday between Ayr and Cairns, bringing prolonged heavy rainfall along the coast. The exact location of the heaviest falls remains uncertain and will depend on the trough's position.
Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) Chair, Mayor Nick Dametto said the TLDMG is actively monitoring the situation and urged residents to stay alert and ready to act if conditions worsen.
"The TLDMG is closely monitoring weather developments and will provide updates as needed," Cr Dametto said.
"Now is the time for residents to check their emergency plans, ensure their emergency kits are stocked, and make sure pets and family members are included in those plans."
The high-risk weather season from November to April brings increased chances of cyclones, storms, and floods across North Queensland. Each of these events can occur quickly and with little warning.
Councillor Dametto reminded the community that preparation is key:
Stay informed by bookmarking Council's Disaster Dashboard, the single source of truth during emergencies.
Have a plan for your household and business, including evacuation routes and how to protect property.
Prepare your emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, and important documents.
"We've seen how rapidly conditions can change in our region," Cr Dametto said.
"Please take simple steps now to ensure you and your family are ready should the weather deteriorate."