Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:58 pm AEST on Wednesday 7 January 2026

Flood Watch Number: 19

MINOR TO MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS PARTS OF NORTH EAST QUEENSLAND

Heavy rainfall is expected to return to the northeast coast from Thursday as a tropical low develops in the Coral Sea. Heavy rainfall will continue over the weekend and may extend inland, with the low forecast to move across northern Queensland.

Elevated river levels and areas of flooding are occurring in catchments across the North Tropical Coast. Rainfall from later in the week is likely to cause minor to major flooding from later this week across the Flood Watch area.

Catchments are wet following recent heavy rainfall and river levels will respond quickly to further rainfall.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Normanby River

Jeannie River

Endeavour River

Daintree River

Mossman River

Barron River

Mulgrave and Russell Rivers

Johnstone River

Tully River

Murray River

Black River
(Including Bluewater Creek)

Ross and Bohle Rivers

Haughton River

Belyando and Suttor Rivers to Burdekin Falls Dam

Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam

Burdekin River to Burdekin Falls Dam

Burdekin River downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam

Don and Proserpine Rivers

Flood warnings are current for the following catchment(s) : Herbert, Nicholson, Leichhardt, Upper Flinders, Lower Flinders, Norman, Gilbert, Georgina and Eyre, Diamantina and Thomson

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood
Safety Advice:

Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Rainfall and River Conditions Map