Minor Flood Warning Issued for Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing, Noonkanbah, and Willare Crossing

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Minor Flood Warning Number 10 for the Fitzroy River (IDW39885). The alert was issued at 10:33 am AWST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and is classified as a major warning group type.

Affected Areas

This warning covers several segments of the Fitzroy River in Western Australia, including:

• Fitzroy River to Fitzroy Crossing
• Fitzroy River from Fitzroy Crossing to Noonkanbah
• Fitzroy River from Noonkanbah to Willare Crossing

A Flood Watch is also currently in effect for parts of the West Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised of 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 to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is currently occurring at Fitzroy Crossing and Noonkanbah. Further rainfall is forecast across the catchment over the next few days, which may lead to renewed river level rises.

Current River Heights and Forecasts:

• Fitzroy Crossing: Currently at 10.45 m and falling. It is expected to fall below the minor flood level (9.50 m) on Thursday morning.
• Noonkanbah: Currently at 10.58 m and rising slowly. A minor flood peak is likely during Wednesday.
• Willare Crossing: Currently at 6.84 m and steady. The river may reach the minor flood level of 8.00 m from late Friday into Saturday.

Timeline

The alert was issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Minor flooding is expected to continue at Noonkanbah through Wednesday, while levels at Fitzroy Crossing should recede by Thursday morning. Potential flooding at Willare Crossing is forecast for late Friday, February 20, into Saturday, February 21. The next official warning is scheduled to be issued by 11:00 AM AWST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.