Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:14 am AEST on Saturday 21 March 2026

Flood Watch Number: 20

FURTHER MINOR TO MODERATE RIVERINE FLOODING POSSIBLE FROM SATURDAY ACROSS NORTH TROPICAL COAST

WIDESPREAD FLOODING EXPECTED TO BE OCCURRING ACROSS CAPE YORK PENINSULA

Tropical Cyclone Narelle has crossed the Cape York Peninsula and is moving west across the Gulf of Carpentaria. Moderate to localised heavy falls remain possible about the North Tropical Coast and Cape York Peninsula during the remainder of Saturday, largely easing by Sunday.

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

Catchments across the Flood Watch area are saturated 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; Minor Flood Warning current for Daintree River)

Barron River

Mulgrave and Russell Rivers(Flood Warning finalised Saturday morning)

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, 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