Minor Flood Warning Issued for Cape River at Taemas and Burdekin Falls Dam

Alert Details

A Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20745) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology for the Cape River. This update follows moderate to heavy rainfall over the last several days which has triggered river level rises.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Cape River at Taemas and the region from Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam in Queensland. As of 9:00 am Thursday, the Cape River at Taemas was recorded at 6.61 meters and falling, though it remains significantly above the minor flood level of 5.00 meters. Other monitored locations include Cape River at Pentland (2.25 m and steady) and Burdekin Dam (1.91 m and steady).

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are urged 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 routes 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 situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is currently occurring at Taemas. While the river peaked at 6.76 meters on Wednesday morning and is currently receding, it is expected to remain above the minor flood level (5.00 m) for the remainder of Thursday and into Friday. Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the catchment over the next few days, which may lead to additional river level rises.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 9:43 am AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The current flood conditions at Taemas are expected to persist through at least Friday, February 20. The Bureau of Meteorology will monitor the situation and intends to issue the next update by 10:00 am AEST on Friday.