Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 1:08 pm AEST on Saturday 24 January 2026 Flood Watch Number: 2

HEAVY RAINFALL AND RIVER LEVEL RISES OCCURRING ACROSS PARTS OF THE WESTERN CAPE YORK PENINSULA

INCREASED FLOODING POSSIBLE FROM SATURDAY ACROSS THE WESTERN CAPE YORK PENINSULA, EXTENDING TO GULF CATCHMENTS EARLY NEXT WEEK

FLOODING POSSIBLE ALONG THE NORTH EAST COASTAL RIVERS FROM MONDAY

A tropical low embedded within the monsoon trough has produced heavy rainfall across parts of the western Cape York Peninsula. Kowanyama Airport recorded 306 mm in the 24 hours to 9:00 am Saturday, resulting in major flooding along Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama.

Further heavy rainfall is expected to continue across western Cape York Peninsula catchments, extending into parts of Gulf of Carpentaria catchments early next week. This rainfall may lead to new and renewed flooding, particularly where catchments are saturated and river levels are already elevated.

In addition, moderate to heavy rainfall to the north east coast from Sunday.
Catchments in this region remain wet to saturated following recent rainfall and flooding, and further rainfall may result in rapid river rises and flooding.

Catchments within the Flood Watch area are generally wet to saturated. Elevated river levels and areas of flooding are already occurring in some locations, and rivers and creeks are expected to respond quickly to any additional rainfall.
New and renewed flooding is possible from Saturday and into early next week across the Flood Watch area.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Mulgrave and Russell Rivers

Johnstone River

Tully River

Murray River

Herbert River

Black River

Ross and Bohle Rivers

Haughton River

Settlement Creek

Nicholson River

Leichhardt River

Upper Flinders River

Lower Flinders River

Cloncurry River

Norman River

Gilbert River

Staaten River

Mitchell River (major flooding occurring on Magnificent
Creek)

Coleman and Edward Rivers

Holroyd and Kendall Rivers

A Severe Weather Warning is current for parts of the Gulf Country. Flood warnings are current for the following catchment(s) : Nicholson, Lower Flinders and Norman.

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