Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Flood Watch for parts of the Cape York Peninsula, Gulf of Carpentaria and North East Coastal Rivers
Issued at 1:43 pm AEST on Monday 26 January 2026

Flood Watch Number: 5

HEAVY RAINFALL AND RIVER LEVEL RISES OCCURRING ACROSS PARTS OF THE CAPE YORK PENINSULA

INCREASED FLOODING POSSIBLE IN NORTHERN QUEENSLAND OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

Moderate to heavy rainfall will continue over northern Queensland as a trough lingers in the area, contracting into the northwest over the next few days as the eastern part of the trough moves north. Major flooding is continuing at Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama. Catchments elsewhere in northern Queensland remain wet to saturated following recent rainfall and flooding, and further rainfall may result in rapid river rises and flooding, particularly in northeast coastal catchments.

Areas of flooding are already occurring in some locations, and rivers and creeks are expected to respond quickly to any additional rainfall. New and renewed flooding is possible from early this week across the Flood Watch area.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Stewart River

Normanby River

Jeannie River

Endeavour River

Daintree River(including Bloomfield River)

Mossman River

Barron River

Mulgrave and Russell Rivers

Johnstone River

Tully River

Murray River

Herbert River

Black River

Ross and Bohle Rivers

Haughton River

Settlement Creek

Nicholson River

Leichhardt River

Upper Flinders River

Lower Flinders River

Cloncurry River

Norman River

Gilbert River

Staaten River

Mitchell River(major flooding occurring on Magnificent Creek)

Coleman and Edward Rivers

Holroyd and Kendall Rivers

Flood warnings are current for the following catchment(s) : Murray, Herbert, Nicholson, Lower Flinders and Norman.

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