Flood Warning Issued for Mulgrave and Russell Rivers in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Warning Number 5 (IDQ20712) for the Mulgrave and Russell Rivers. The alert was issued at 9:10 am AEST on Monday, March 16, 2026, following heavy rainfall that began Saturday evening.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Mulgrave and Russell River catchments in Queensland. Specific locations monitored include:

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

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected regions are advised to follow these safety protocols:

• 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 ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently elevated but generally easing across the catchment.

• Mulgrave River: Minor flooding is occurring at The Fisheries (2.60 m). At Gordonvale, the river peaked at 13.24 m on Sunday morning and has since fallen to 9.65 m, which is below the minor flood level of 12.00 m. Peets Bridge is currently at 3.57 m and is expected to remain below its minor flood level of 5.00 m.
• Russell River: Minor flooding continues at Clyde Road (0.57 m).
• Future Outlook: While levels are currently falling, further rainfall is forecast for later this week, which may cause renewed river level rises.

Timeline

The current warning was issued at 9:10 am AEST on Monday, March 16, 2026. The situation is being closely monitored, and the next update is scheduled to be issued by 10:00 am AEST on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.