Major Flood Warning Issued for Cape River; Minor Flooding for Suttor and Burdekin Rivers

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20745) for the Cape River, alongside Minor Flood Warnings for the Suttor and Burdekin Rivers. This is the seventh flood warning issued for the region following moderate to heavy rainfall over the last few days.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts several river systems and specific locations within Queensland, including:

• Cape River: Taemas
• Suttor River: St Anns
• Burdekin River: Burdekin Falls Dam, Dalbeg, Clare, and Inkerman Bridge (Burdekin Bridge)
• Belyando River: Regions extending to Burdekin Falls Dam

What You Should Do

Authorities advise residents to never drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is extremely dangerous. Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways. Always obey road closure signs and plan your movements ahead of time to avoid impacted areas.

Expected Conditions

• Cape River at Taemas: Currently at 5.96 meters and rising. It is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (7.00m) Friday evening and may reach the major flood level (8.00m) overnight Friday into Saturday.
• Suttor River at St Anns: Currently at 3.62 meters. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00m) overnight Friday into Saturday.
• Burdekin River: Minor flooding is possible at Clare (exceeding 9.00m) overnight Friday, and at Dalbeg (exceeding 10.00m), Burdekin Falls Dam (exceeding 3.00m), and Inkerman Bridge (exceeding 7.00m) starting Saturday.
• Weather Outlook: Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the catchment over the next few days, which may cause additional river level rises.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 3:47 pm AEST on Friday, February 20, 2026. Major flooding is anticipated at Taemas overnight Friday into Saturday. Minor flooding conditions across the broader catchment are expected to persist through the weekend, with the alert currently set to expire at 8:47 am on Monday, February 23, 2026.