Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:31 am Saturday, 21 February 2026.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL OVER FAR WESTERN QUEENSLAND THIS WEEKEND.

Weather Situation: A tropical low is located over the Northern Territory border region and is expected to move slowly southward and strengthens over the weekend. Rich tropical moisture is feeding into the system, which will bring a broad chance of heavy to locally intense rainfall, especially on its eastern side over western Queensland. The chance of locally intense rainfall is greatest during the overnight hours.

HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the North West, Channel Country and far southwestern Gulf Country. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 55 and 90 mm are likely, with localised falls to 140 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are likely, with localised falls to 200 mm possible.

DAMAGING WINDS with gusts of about 90 km/h are possible with/near showers and thunderstorms.

These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.

Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Camooweal, Urandangi, Dajarra and Duchess.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.