Flood Watch Issued for Northern Queensland and Cape York Peninsula as Heavy Rain Continues

Alert Details

A Flood Watch (IDQ20900) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). This alert provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments across Northern Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected:

• Mulgrave and Russell Rivers
• Tully River
• Murray River
• Black River
• Ross and Bohle Rivers
• Haughton River
• Belyando and Suttor Rivers to Burdekin Falls Dam
• Burdekin River (to and downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam)
• Pioneer River
• Connors, Isaac and Styx Rivers and Plane Creek
• Nicholson River
• Leichhardt River
• Lower Flinders River (Flood Warning currently in effect)
• Cloncurry River
• Gilbert River
• Staaten River
• Mitchell River (including Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama)
• Georgina River and Eyre Creek

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning 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 travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• 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.

Expected Conditions

A broad trough system lingering across western and northern Queensland is maintaining deep tropical moisture, enhancing shower and storm activity. Moderate to locally heavy rainfall totals are possible, with the highest amounts expected near the coast and ranges. Because catchments are already wet to very wet from recent rain, river level rises and widespread flooding are likely. Rapid river rises and flash flooding may occur in areas receiving the heaviest rainfall. Road closures and community isolation have already been reported.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:37 pm AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The weather system is expected to linger for several days, with rainfall focusing on Far North Queensland over the coming weekend. The next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 2:00 pm AEST on Friday, February 20, 2026.