Major flooding is possible.

The region to be affected by the most rain should be from Bowen to Cooktown and inland to Mareeba and Atherton where widespread 300-500mm is likely.

The area includes Townsville, Innisfail, Ingham and Cairns, for which this sort of rainfall is about the monthly average.

Some models are even tipping local falls of more than 700mm between now and early next week, up to about double the monthly average.

Records are almost certain to be broken.

But before then residents further south need to endure a deluge.

The area from about Proserpine to Emerald to Bundaberg will be hit by flash flooding from heavy rain and storms.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued.

Gayndah received 103mm in the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday, their highest daily total in at least seven years.

The area of moist, unstable air which is causing these downpours is slowly heading north to where even more moisture is available.

People in the northern tropics are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of major flooding.

* Click here for the latest Queensland rainfall figures, weather maps and forecast information.