Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North West, Central West and Channel Country Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:32 am Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Slow moving storms bring heavy rain to the north west

Weather Situation: A trough extending from the Central Coast through to the Gulf Country combines with a humid airmass to trigger slow moving thunderstorms with the risk of heavy rainfall.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Mount Isa, Dajarra, Duchess and Selwyn.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

44mm was recorded at Waverley Creek in the 30 minutes to 2:15am.

87mm was recorded at Bendemeer in the 3 hours to 12:00am.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.