Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:15 pm EST on Tuesday 12 March 2024

Flood Watch Number: 1

FLOODING LIKELY ACROSS NORTHERN PARTS OF THE CAPE YORK PENINSULA FROM WEDNESDAY

A developing tropical low embedded in the monsoon trough is expected to move across northern parts of the Cape York Peninsula on Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall to the Flood Watch area.

Catchments within the Flood Watch area are relatively wet. Many rivers and creeks are elevated following recent rainfall and are expected to respond quickly to the forecast heavy rainfall.

Heavy rainfall is forecast for northern parts of the Cape York Peninsula and Thursday Island from Wednesday morning. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for the area; refer to this for further information on forecast rainfall totals. The heavy rainfall is forecast to ease from early Thursday morning, however rainfall will continue to affect the Flood Watch area for several days.

River level rises and riverine flooding are likely within the Flood Watch area from Wednesday.

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

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Jardine River
Ducie, Jackson and Skardon Rivers
Wenlock River
Embley and Mission Rivers
Jacky Jacky Creek
Olive and Pascoe Rivers
Lockhart River

See www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings to view the current flood, weather 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