Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 2:01 pm EST on Wednesday 27 January 2021

Flood Watch Number: 1

Flooding is likely across parts of the Flood Watch area from Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall associated with a tropical low over the western Cape York Peninsula will affect the Flood Watch area during Wednesday and Thursday. The rainfall is likely to be heaviest over central parts of the Peninsula Forecast District, extending southeastward later tonight and into Thursday.

Heavy rainfall has fallen intermittently over the Flood Watch area over the last few weeks. In the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday, several locations over the Cape York Peninsula have recorded rainfall in excess of 100 mm, with 240 mm recorded at Southwell Station (north of Kowanyama). Catchments are wet and rivers will respond relatively quickly to further rainfall.

Riverine flooding is likely within the Flood Watch area, particularly across central parts of the Peninsula Forecast District where the rainfall is expected to be heaviest.

Localised flooding, isolation of communities and disruption to transport routes are likely within the Flood Watch area over the next few days.

A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is current for parts of the Peninsula Forecast District.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Jardine River

Ducie, Jackson and Skardon Rivers

Wenlock River

Embley and Mission Rivers

Watson River

Archer and Coen Rivers

Holroyd and Kendall Rivers

Coleman and Edward Rivers

Mitchell River

Jacky Jacky Creek

Olive and Pascoe Rivers

Lockhart River

Stewart River

Normanby River

Jeannie River

Endeavour River

See www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings to view the current flood and cyclone products for Queensland.

For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml
Flood Safety Advice:

This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks should monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

Remember: If it's flooded, forget it.

For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Current emergency information is available at www.qld.gov.au/alerts.

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219 at a low call cost of 27.5 cents, more from mobile, public and satellite phones.

Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/

Rainfall and River Conditions Map