Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:13 pm AEST on Friday 20 March 2026

Flood Watch Number: 19

FURTHER MINOR TO MODERATE WITH ISOLATED MAJOR RIVERINE FLOODING POSSIBLE FROM FRIDAY

WIDESPREAD FLOODING EXPECTED TO BE OCCURRING ACROSS CAPE YORK PENINSULA

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is moving westwards inland across the northern Cape York Peninsula, and is forecast to move off the west Peninsula coast later today. Heavy to intense rain is expected to accompany Narelle's passage across the Peninsula, easing by early Saturday morning. Moderate to localised heavy falls are possible about the North Tropical Coast during today and Saturday, largely easing by Sunday.

This rainfall may cause minor to moderate riverine flooding in the Flood Watch area from Friday onwards. Isolated major flooding is also possible. Minor to moderate flood warnings are current for several catchments across the North Tropical Coast. Flooding is expected to occur or already be occurring at many locations across the Cape York Peninsula.

Catchments across the Flood Watch area are wet to saturated from recent rainfall, and will respond quickly to further rainfall. Disruption to transport routes is occurring or likely across parts of the Flood Watch area.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Jacky Jacky Creek

Olive and Pascoe Rivers

Lockhart River

Stewart River

Normanby River

Jeannie River

Endeavour River

Daintree River
(Flood Watch for Bloomfield River; moderate Flood Warning current for Daintree River)

Barron River

Johnstone River

Murray River

Staaten River

Mitchell River
(elevated levels expected along Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama)

Coleman and Edward Rivers

Holroyd and Kendall Rivers

Archer and Coen Rivers

Watson River

Embley and Mission Rivers

Wenlock River

Ducie, Jackson and Skardon Rivers

Jardine River

Flood Warnings are current for the following catchment(s): Daintree, Mossman, Mulgrave and Russell, Tully and Herbert

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