Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:56 am AEST on Sunday 28 December 2025

Flood Watch Number: 7

FURTHER FLOODING POSSIBLE IN PARTS OF NORTHWESTERN QUEENSLAND, EXTENDING TO THE NORTH TROPICAL COAST

A monsoon trough and low will linger in northwest Queensland for several days, generating widespread heavy to intense rainfall in the North West and northern interior Queensland.

Over the northeast coast, onshore winds will strengthen and converge between Cooktown and Bowen overnight Sunday and persist for the next few days, producing heavy to intense rainfall.

River level rises are occurring across northwest Queensland. Heavy to intense rainfall into next week will cause continued and dangerous river level rises.

Heavy to intense rainfall may also cause rapid river level rises along the North Tropical Coast from Sunday evening.

Catchments are increasingly wet following recent rainfall and will respond quickly to further rainfall.

River and creek level rises, overland flow, and isolated flooding in low-lying areas are possible across many inland parts of the Flood Watch area. Riverine flooding is occurring in northwest Queensland with road closures and community isolation. Riverine flooding may extend to the North Tropical Coast from Sunday evening.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Daintree River

Mossman River

Barron River

Mulgrave and Russell Rivers

Johnstone River

Tully River

Murray River

Herbert River

Black River

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

Settlement Creek

Georgina River and Eyre Creek(rainfall expected mainly in upper catchment)

Thomson River(rainfall expected mainly in upper catchment)

Flood Warnings are current for the following catchment(s): Nicholson, Leichhardt, Norman, Gilbert and Diamantina

Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchment(s): Connors, Isaac and Styx and Plane and Baffle

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