Flood Warning Issued for Nicholson, Gregory, and Leichhardt Rivers in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Warning (IDQ20876) for the Nicholson, Gregory, Albert, and Leichhardt Rivers. This warning was issued at 2:12 pm AEST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and is part of a major warning group update following widespread heavy rainfall over the last week.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Nicholson, Gregory, Albert, and Leichhardt catchments in Queensland. Specific locations experiencing elevated levels or flooding include:

• Gregory River: Gregory Downs and Riversleigh.
• Nicholson River: Doomadgee.
• Leichhardt River: Floraville, Lorraine, Miranda Creek, Julius Dam, and Doughboy Creek.
• Albert River: Burketown Airstrip.
• Gunpowder Creek: Gunpowder.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Stay informed by checking the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Widespread heavy rainfall has resulted in significant river and creek level rises. Current conditions include:

• Gregory River at Gregory Downs: 5.13 meters and falling as of 1:15 pm Wednesday (Minor flooding occurring).
• Leichhardt River at Floraville: 5.04 meters and steady as of 1:00 pm Wednesday (Minor flooding occurring).
• Nicholson River at Doomadgee: Elevated river levels are currently being observed.
• Albert River at Burketown: River levels may rise over the next few days.
• Leichhardt River at Doughboy Creek: 3.52 meters and rising as of 1:00 pm Wednesday.

Timeline

The flood warning is currently in effect. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update regarding these river systems by 3:00 PM AEST on Friday, February 27, 2026.