Severe Thunderstorm Warning Cancelled for Herbert, Lower Burdekin, and Northern Goldfields

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a cancellation for the Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDQ21033) previously in effect for parts of Queensland. The cancellation was issued at 10:14 am local time on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Affected Areas

The cancellation applies to the following forecast districts:

• Northern Goldfields
• Upper Flinders
• Herbert
• Lower Burdekin

What You Should Do

Despite the cancellation of the immediate warning, emergency services advise residents to remain cautious:

• Never drive, walk, play, or ride through floodwater, as it is extremely dangerous.
• Stay away from storm water drains and fallen powerlines.
• If you encounter a flooded or damaged road, seek an alternative route.
• For storm-related assistance, contact the SES at 132 500 or use the SES Assistance QLD app.

Expected Conditions

While the immediate risk of heavy rainfall has eased, a trough of low pressure continues to direct moist onshore flow over the Herbert and Lower Burdekin regions. This system is producing persistent, slow-moving showers and isolated thunderstorms.

Earlier in the day, significant rainfall totals were recorded, including:

• 90 mm at Lolworth Creek within a three-hour window ending at 2:12 am.
• 87 mm at Betanga Alert within a six-hour window ending at 1:20 am.

Timeline

The warning was officially cancelled at 10:14 am on Friday, February 20, 2026. However, showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout the remainder of Friday, which may still produce heavy rainfall in localized areas. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue further warnings if conditions intensify.