Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:06 am AEST on Sunday 1 February 2026

Flood Watch Number: 12

RIVER LEVEL RISES AND FLOODING OCCURRING ACROSS PARTS OF THE CAPE YORK PENINSULA AND GULF COUNTRY

FURTHER FLOODING POSSIBLE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

Moderate rainfall remains possible about parts of the Gulf Country and Cape York Peninsula during Sunday due to the Tropical Low 18U and the trough that extends east from the system. The Tropical Low 18U is centred over the Gregory region of North Territory and is likely to drift away to the west over coming days with the trough remaining in place. Further inland, showers and thunderstorms may redevelop across the upper Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers from Monday.

Catchments across the Flood Watch area remain wet to saturated with areas of flooding already occurring following recent rainfall. Further rainfall may result in rapid river level rises and flooding across the Flood Watch area over the next few days.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Settlement Creek
Leichhardt River
Upper Flinders River
Cloncurry River
Staaten River
Mitchell River(Minor flooding is occurring along Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama)

Flood warnings are current for the following catchment(s) : Nicholson, Lower Flinders, Norman, Gilbert, Eyre, Diamantina, Thomson, Barcoo and Cooper

Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchments: Lockhart, Stewart, Normanby, Jeannie, Endeavour, Coleman and Edward, Holroyd and Kendall, Archer and Coen, Watson, Embley and Mission and Wenlock Rivers

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