Flood Watch Issued for Northern Queensland and Cape York Peninsula as Widespread Flooding Expected

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDQ20900) for parts of Northern Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula. This alert provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments as a tropical weather system impacts the region.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are included in this flood watch:

• 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 Burdekin Falls Dam
• Burdekin River downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam
• Connors, Isaac and Styx Rivers and Plane Creek
• Nicholson River
• Leichhardt River
• Lower Flinders River
• Cloncurry River
• Gilbert River
• Staaten River
• Mitchell River (including Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama)

Note: The Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam has been removed from this watch as separate flood warnings are currently in effect for that area.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning areas should take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous and conditions can change quickly.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

A broad trough system is expected to linger over northern Queensland for several days, maintaining deep tropical moisture and enhancing shower and storm activity. Moderate to locally heavy rainfall totals are possible, with the highest accumulations likely near the coast and ranges.

Because catchments are already relatively wet to very wet from recent rainfall, river level rises and areas of flooding are likely to become more widespread over the coming days. Rapid river level rises and flash flooding are possible in areas receiving the heaviest rainfall. Road closures and community isolation are already occurring in some areas, with additional locations likely to be affected.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:35 pm AEST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The situation is being monitored closely, and the next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 2:00 pm AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.