Flood Warning Issued for Mulgrave and Russell Rivers in Far North Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning for the Mulgrave River and a Flood Warning for the Russell River. This update, Flood Warning Number 5, was issued at 3:27 pm AEST on Friday, March 20, 2026. The alert follows moderate rainfall observed across the catchments since Wednesday and is issued in conjunction with a current Flood Watch for parts of the Cape York Peninsula and North Tropical Coast.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Mulgrave and Russell River catchments in Far North Queensland. Key locations under observation include:

• Mulgrave River: Peets Bridge and Gordonvale
• Russell River: Bucklands and Clyde Road
• Babinda Creek: The Boulders

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring additional rainfall across the catchment through the remainder of Friday and into Saturday.

Current River Levels and Forecasts:

• Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge: Currently at 4.83 m and rising. It is expected to exceed the minor flood level of 5.00 m on Friday evening.
• Mulgrave River at Gordonvale: Currently at 11.00 m and rising. While it may remain below the minor flood level of 12.00 m on Friday evening, renewed rises are possible with forecast rain.
• Russell River at Bucklands: Currently at 4.97 m and rising.

Timeline

The alert is currently in effect. Minor flooding is possible at Peets Bridge starting Friday evening, March 20. The Bureau of Meteorology is closely monitoring the situation, and the next official warning is scheduled to be issued by 10:00 am AEST on Saturday, March 21, 2026.