Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:57 pm EST on Thursday 21 December 2023

Flood Watch Number: 13

FLOODING LIKELY TO CONTINUE ACROSS PARTS OF THE CAPE YORK PENINSULA

A trough that currently extends across far northern Cape York Peninsula is expected to weaken over the next few days.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper brought heavy rain to the Far North over the past week. Flood water from this rainfall continues to make its way slowly through Cape York rivers.

Catchments within the Flood Watch area are now wet.

Further showers and possible thunderstorms are forecast over the next few days.

Elevated river and creek levels, and areas of flooding, have been reported in several Cape York Peninsula catchments. This has caused disruption to transport routes and isolation of some communities.

Flooding is occurring at Kowanyama on Magnificent Creek, where river levels may exceed the major flood level over the coming days. Flooding is likely to be protracted with the arrival of upstream flood peaks. Extensive areas of inundation are expected around creeks and rivers south of Kowanyama as floodwaters move into the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Mitchell River
(including Magnificent Creek)

Stewart River

Normanby River

Jeannie River

Endeavour River

See www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings to view the current flood and cyclone products for Queensland.

For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml
Flood Safety Advice:

This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks should monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

Remember: If it's flooded, forget it.

For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Current emergency information is available at www.qld.gov.au/alerts.

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219 at a low call cost of 27.5 cents, more from mobile, public and satellite phones.

Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/

Rainfall and River Conditions Map