Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued for North West and Channel Country, Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDQ21037) for heavy rainfall. This warning is currently in effect for parts of the North West and Channel Country Forecast Districts in Queensland as of 10:50 am Friday, 27 February 2026.

Affected Areas

The primary regions under threat include portions of the North West and Channel Country districts. Specific locations that may be affected include Urandangi and Glenormiston. Residents should note that severe weather is no longer occurring in the Central West district, and the warning for that area has been officially cancelled.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving tropical low situated over the southern Northern Territory is drawing rich tropical moisture into a stationary trough in southwest Queensland. This weather situation is producing persistent rain and thunderstorm activity.

Key hazards include:

• Heavy Rainfall: Six-hour rainfall totals between 40 and 80 mm are possible.
• Flash Flooding: The intense rainfall may lead to dangerous flash flooding conditions.
• Livestock Threat: These conditions pose a significant risk to cattle and other livestock in the region.

While widespread heavy falls are expected to clear the southwest later today, isolated heavy rainfall remains possible in northwestern and far western Queensland.

What You Should Do

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

• Park your car undercover and away from trees.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks.
• Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Secure pets in a safe place and ensure they have identification.
• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary due to dangerous road conditions.
• Seek shelter inside a strong building and remain there until the storm has passed.
• Inform friends, family, and neighbors about the current warning.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:50 am Friday, 27 February 2026. Rainfall is expected to ease by Friday evening as the tropical low moves further west. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 5:00 pm AEST Friday.