Flood Watch Issued for Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula 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 the Cape York Peninsula. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a lingering trough and a weak tropical low (26U). The alert indicates that flooding is likely to continue over the next few days.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected by the current weather system:

• Nicholson River
• Leichhardt River
• Lower Flinders River (Flood Warning currently in effect)
• Gilbert River
• Staaten River
• Mitchell River (including Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama)

Note: Flooding is no longer expected in the Mulgrave and Russell, Tully, Murray, Black, Ross and Bohle, and Pioneer catchments.

What You Should Do

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

• 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 as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A trough will linger across northern Queensland for several days, gradually contracting to Far North Queensland over the weekend. Moderate to locally heavy rainfall is possible, with the highest totals expected near the coast and ranges. A weak tropical low (26U) lies within the trough and will linger near the Northern Territory and far western Queensland border before shifting southward later this weekend.

Because catchments are already wet to very wet from recent rain, further river level rises and flooding are likely. Rapid river rises and flash flooding may occur in areas receiving the heaviest falls. Road closures and community isolation are already occurring in some regions, with additional areas likely to be affected.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:10 pm AEST on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Flooding is expected to persist over the next few days. The situation is being monitored closely, and the next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 2:00 pm AEST on Sunday, February 22, 2026.