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Queensland Braces for Cyclone Threat
10 Jan
Summary
- Tropical Low 12U may become a cyclone, threatening Queensland.
- Heavy rainfall up to 350mm predicted for northern coast.
- Major flooding ongoing in northwest and other northern rivers.
Communities in Queensland's far north are once again under threat as Tropical Low 12U approaches the state's north coast, with a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flash tropical cyclone warning, indicating significant impacts are imminent, potentially within 24 hours of January 10, 2026. Heavy rainfall is expected to begin Friday evening, with totals of 90 to 170mm every six hours and up to 350mm in 24 hours projected for areas between Cooktown and Mackay.
From Sunday, January 12, 2026, the focus of the heaviest rain is expected to move inland from central Queensland, affecting the Capricornia, central highlands, and potentially extending to southeast Queensland through Sunday and Monday. Multi-day rainfall totals could reach 500mm from Cairns to Mackay, with 150 to 300mm forecast further south towards Gladstone. Southeast Queensland could see up to 100mm, primarily on Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, major flooding continues in the northwest Gulf Country along the Flinders River, with significant livestock losses anticipated. Flood warnings are also in place for the Herbert, Haughton, and Tully rivers. Authorities caution that numerous other rivers along the northern coastline between Cairns and Rockhampton could experience flooding in the coming days due to the anticipated rainfall.
