BOM issues severe thunderstorm warning for Whitsundays, Hamilton Island

A severe thunderstorm warning has expanded from Airlie Beach to Bowen as the Whitsundays as the region is drenched. LATEST

BOM has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast District. Image: BOM

Roadways are now underwater as the Whitsundays is smashed by rain, with a severe thunderstorm warning now expanded from Airlie Beach to Bowen.
BOM figures state Hamilton Island has copped 152mm of rain from 9am to 1pm Tuesday.

Crofton Creek Bridge is now closed in both directions, while flood waters are also creeping across the roadway at Palm Creek.

Crofton Creek Bridge is underwater as of 2.22pm Tuesday, February 4, 2025 as the Whitsundays is soaked. Image: Whitsunday Regional Council flood cameras

Whitsunday Regional Council has also closed the Airlie Beach Ladoon and amenities “for safety and maintenance” because of the current weather.

Conway Rd at Palm Creek is underwater as of 2.22pm Tuesday, February 4, 2025 as the Whitsundays is soaked. Image: Whitsunday Regional Council flood cameras

The bureau earlier issued a severe weather warning for Hamilton Island and Cape Conway, with showers and possible embedded thunderstorms resulting in localised heavy rainfall. This was after Hamilton Island had recorded 77.2mm in one hour to 11.26am.

As of 2.35pm that warning expanded from Airlie Beach to Bowen with warnings that flash flooding is likely in the next few hours.

Emergency services are advising people to park cars undercover away from trees, close doors and windows and put pets somewhere safe.

People in these areas are advised not to drive “because conditions are dangerous”.

This comes as Mackay was soaked earlier in the morning, copping more than 150mm of rain hit parts of the region over a few hours.

Hundreds are without power, cars have conked out in floodwaters and roads to the airport is cut off.

More to come.