Flood Watch Issued for Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 15 for parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments in Queensland. The situation is being monitored closely, and formal Flood Warnings will be issued as required.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected by rising water levels:

• Nicholson River
• Leichhardt River
• Gilbert River
• Staaten River
• Mitchell River (including Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama, where major flooding is currently occurring)

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning areas are urged to follow these safety 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 routes.
• Stay informed by checking the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, call 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 for several days across the Flood 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 that receive the heaviest rainfall. Road closures and community isolation are already occurring in some areas.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:42 pm AEST on Monday, 23 February 2026. Flooding is expected to continue over the next few days. The next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 2:00 PM AEST on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.