Severe Weather Warning Issued for Heavy Rainfall and Damaging Winds in Western Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a top-priority Severe Weather Warning (IDQ21037) for heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging winds. This alert is currently in effect for parts of the Gulf Country, North West, and Channel Country Forecast Districts in Queensland.

Affected Areas

The warning covers significant portions of far western Queensland. Specific locations that may be affected include Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Camooweal, Urandangi, Dajarra, and Duchess. The weather situation is driven by a tropical low located over the Northern Territory border region, which is moving slowly southward and strengthening.

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 inside until the storm has passed.
• Secure Property: Park vehicles undercover and away from trees. Close all doors and windows.
• Health & Safety: Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks. Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Protect Pets and Livestock: Place pets in a safe location with identification. Be aware that conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.
• Travel Safety: Do not drive unless absolutely necessary, as conditions are considered dangerous.

Expected Conditions

Rich tropical moisture is feeding into the system, creating a broad chance of heavy to locally intense rainfall, particularly on the eastern side of the low.

• Rainfall: Six-hourly totals between 55 and 90 mm are likely, with localised falls reaching up to 140 mm. 24-hourly totals between 100 and 150 mm are expected, with potential localised falls of 200 mm. This rainfall may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.
• Wind: Damaging wind gusts of approximately 90 km/h are possible in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:31 am AEST on Saturday, 21 February 2026. The tropical low is expected to strengthen over the weekend, with the greatest chance of locally intense rainfall occurring during the overnight hours. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm AEST Saturday.