Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Haughton River Catchment and Giru

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an Initial Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20740) for the Haughton River Catchment. This warning follows heavy rainfall early Friday morning that has resulted in significant river level rises across the region.

Affected Areas

The primary areas affected include the Haughton River catchment in Queensland. Specific locations monitoring river rises include:

• Giru (Haughton River)
• Mt Piccaninny (Haughton River)
• Major Creek (upstream Haughton River)
• Powerline (Haughton River)

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 advice.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall has already caused river levels to rise. The Haughton River at Giru, which was recorded at 0.98 m and steady as of 7:59 am Friday, is likely to exceed the minor flood level of 1.80 m on Friday morning. The river is forecast to reach approximately the moderate flood level of 2.10 m by Friday afternoon. Further showers and storms are forecast over the next few days, which may lead to additional river level rises.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 9:53 am AEST on Friday, February 20, 2026. Minor flooding is expected to begin late Friday morning, with moderate flood levels possible by Friday afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 5:00 pm AEST on Friday, February 20, 2026.