Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 8:00 am AEST on Thursday 29 January 2026 Flood Watch Number: 8

**Re-issued to correct spatial data
HEAVY RAINFALL AND RIVER LEVEL RISES OCCURRING ACROSS PARTS OF THE CAPE YORK PENINSULA FURTHER FLOODING POSSIBLE IN NORTHERN QUEENSLAND OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

A trough extends east from the Gulf Country, across the Northern Goldfields and off the North Tropical Coast. The trough will drift slowly north and be located over the Gulf Coast and Cape York Peninsula by Friday. Moderate to heavy rainfall may persist in the Gulf Country and western Peninsula for several days as the trough lingers.

Catchments in northern Queensland 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:

Stewart River

Normanby River

Jeannie River

Endeavour River

Settlement Creek

Leichhardt River

Cloncurry River

Staaten River

Mitchell River (Major flooding is occurring along
Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama)

Coleman and Edward Rivers

Holroyd and Kendall Rivers

Flood warnings are current for the following catchments: Murray, Herbert, Nicholson, Upper Flinders, Lower Flinders, Norman and Gilbert

Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchments: Daintree, Mossman, Barron, Mulgrave and Russell, Johnstone, Black, Ross and Bohle and Haughton

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.



Rainfall and River Conditions Map