Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Flood Watch for parts of the Cape York Peninsula and North Tropical Coast
Issued at 12:18 pm AEST on Sunday 22 March 2026

Flood Watch Number: 21

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

WIDESPREAD FLOODING EXPECTED TO BE OCCURRING ACROSS PARTS OF THE CAPE YORK PENINSULA

Moderate to localised heavy falls remain possible about the North Tropical Coast and Cape York Peninsula during the remainder of Sunday, largely easing by Monday morning.

This rainfall may cause minor to moderate riverine flooding in the Flood Watch area from Sunday onwards. Minor to moderate 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 Sunday morning)

Johnstone River

Murray River

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

Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchment(s): Staaten and Mitchell

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