Issued: 2PM Thursday, January 2026
Next Update: as situation changes.
The Douglas Local Disaster Management Group advises people in the Douglas Shire Area to PREPARE NOW for severe weather that is approaching.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the QLD SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD App. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
What are we expecting?
The Bureau of Meteorology advises: A Severe Weather Warning has been issued for parts of Far North Queensland, ahead of an increasing risk of heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts from Friday.
• Very heavy rain making it dangerous to drive, flash flooding is possible.
• Strong winds causing debris like fallen trees, powerlines could come down and the power could go out.
What you need to do:
• Find out how to get ready for severe weather at the Get Ready Queensland website (Get Prepared).
• Keep medications close by.
• Consider parking your car under cover and away from trees, powerlines, and drains.
• Consider securing or putting away items, such as outdoor furniture, trampolies and roofing iron that could blow around in strong winds.
• Prepare for if the power goes out.
• If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
• Tell friends, family, and neighbours in the area.
If you find it hard to move quickly or have special or medical needs:
• Use your Person-Centred Emergency Plan (P-CEP) now if you have one.
• Make sure you have enough medicine for at least one week.
• If anyone in your house uses powered medical equipment, like a dialysis machine or ventilator, decide now where you will go in case you lose power.
• Call your support person or service to organise transport if you need to leave.
• Leaving early is safer than waiting.
If you are a tourist, visitor, camper or caravanner:
• Campers and caravanners should consider packing up now.
• If you do not need to be in the warning area, leave now. Check road conditions and plan your route before you leave.
• Be ready to move if the situation gets worse.
• Ask the campground owners whether the site floods.
• Check your surroundings of water catchments, and monitor conditions
For more information:
• Follow the Douglas Disaster Dashboard
• Listen to your local radio Far North 639 AM
• Check road closures at the QLD Traffic website or for phone service call 13 19 40.
