Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Flood Watch for parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula
Issued at 12:42 pm AEST on Monday 23 February 2026

Flood Watch Number: 15

FLOODING LIKELY TO CONTINUE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

Showers and thunderstorms will continue for several days across the Flood Watch area, with moderate to locally heavy rainfall possible.

Catchments are relatively wet to very wet after recent rainfall. River and creek levels remain elevated across the Flood Watch area, with further river level rises and additional areas of flooding possible over the next few days.

Rapid river level rises and flash flooding remain possible in areas that receive the heaviest rainfall. Road closures and community isolation are occurring in some areas.

The situation will be monitored closely and Flood Warnings will be issued as required.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Nicholson River

Leichhardt River

Gilbert River

Staaten River

Mitchell River(Including Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama, where major flooding is occurring)

Flood Warnings are current for numerous catchments across western, central and northern Queensland. Flood Watches are current for parts of South Australia, New South Wales and Northern Territory for catchments bordering southwestern Queensland.

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