Flood Watch Issued for Gilbert, Mitchell, and Staaten River Catchments in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDQ20900) for parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula. This alert provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments due to persistent weather conditions.

Affected Areas

The following catchments in Queensland are likely to be affected:

• Gilbert River
• Staaten River
• Mitchell River: This includes Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama, where moderate flooding is currently estimated to be occurring.

What You Should Do

Residents are urged to prioritize safety and follow these guidelines:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Friday across the watch area, bringing moderate to locally heavy rainfall. Catchments are currently wet to very wet following recent rainfall, and river levels remain elevated. Further rises and additional flooding are possible over the next few days. Areas receiving the heaviest rainfall may experience rapid river level rises and flash flooding. Road closures and community isolation are already occurring in some areas.

Timeline

The flood threat is expected to continue through Friday, February 27, 2026. This Flood Watch was issued at 12:13 pm AEST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 2:00 PM AEST on Thursday, February 26, 2026.