Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Northwest Queensland

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a top-priority severe thunderstorm warning for residents in parts of the Gulf Country and North West Forecast Districts. The alert, issued at 1:37 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, warns of isolated heavy rainfall across the region.

Alert Details

• Alert Type: Severe Thunderstorm Warning (Heavy Rainfall)
• Issuing Agency: Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
• Warning ID: IDQ21033
• Status: New / Active

Affected Areas

The warning covers specific regions within the Gulf Country and North West Forecast Districts in Queensland. Locations that may be impacted include:

• Mount Isa
• Cloncurry
• Kamilaroi Station
• Dajarra
• Duchess
• Iffley

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents in the warning area to take the following precautions:

• Seek Shelter: Go inside a strong building immediately and stay there until the storm passes.
• Vehicle Safety: Park cars undercover and away from trees. Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
• Home Preparation: Close all doors and windows. Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Health: Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
• Pets: Place pets in a safe location and ensure they can be identified in case they get lost.
• Communication: Inform friends, family, and neighbors in the area about the warning.

Expected Conditions

A moist and unstable airmass combined with a band of convergence extending from the central Northern Territory is generating severe thunderstorms. These storms are likely to produce heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding within the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 1:37 pm Sunday, February 22, 2026. The situation is being monitored, and the next update is scheduled to be issued by 4:40 pm. Residents are encouraged to monitor local TV and radio broadcasts or check the BOM website for further updates.