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

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20745) for the Cape River. This is the third warning issued for this event, effective as of 12:40 am AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Cape River at Taemas and the stretch from Cape River to the Burdekin Falls Dam in Queensland. Current river height observations include:

• Cape River at Taemas: 6.41 meters and rising.
• Cape River at Pentland: 2.26 meters and steady.
• Burdekin Dam: 1.34 meters and steady.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised 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 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.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management warnings and advice.

Expected Conditions

Moderate to heavy rainfall over the past several days has triggered significant river level rises. While minor flooding is currently occurring at Taemas (6.41 m), levels are expected to reach the moderate flood level of approximately 7.00 meters on Wednesday morning. With further showers and thunderstorms forecast across the catchment throughout the week, additional river level rises remain possible.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:40 am AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Moderate flooding is anticipated to begin Wednesday morning. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 10:00 am AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.