Flood Watch Issued for Gilbert, Mitchell, and Staaten Rivers in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 18 for parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to ongoing weather conditions.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are likely to be affected:

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

Geographic regions include the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are advised to take the following 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 travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• 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

Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to continue through Friday across the watch area. Moderate to locally heavy rainfall is possible. Because catchments are already relatively wet to very wet from recent rainfall, river and creek levels remain elevated. Further river level rises and additional areas of flooding are possible over the next few days. Rapid river level rises and flash flooding remain a threat in areas receiving the heaviest rainfall. Road closures and community isolation are already occurring in some areas.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:14 pm AEST on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Flooding is expected to continue through to Friday, February 27, 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 PM AEST on Friday, February 27, 2026.