Flood Watch Issued for Northern Queensland and Cape York Peninsula Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 10 (IDQ20900) for parts of Northern Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula. This alert provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments as a broad trough system continues to impact the region.

Affected Areas

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

• 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 (both to and downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam)
• 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)

What You Should Do

Authorities advise residents to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater. It is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other 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 emergencies, call 000 immediately.

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 amounts likely near the coast and ranges. Because catchments are already wet to very wet from recent rainfall, river level rises and widespread flooding are likely to develop. Rapid river rises and flash flooding are possible in areas that receive the heaviest rainfall. Road closures and community isolation are already occurring in some areas, with additional impacts expected over the coming days.

Timeline

The Flood Watch was issued at 1:38 pm AEST on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology will monitor the situation closely and issue specific Flood Warnings as required. The next update to this Flood Watch is scheduled to be issued by 2:00 pm AEST on Thursday, 19 February 2026.