Flood Watch Issued for Cape York Peninsula and North Tropical Coast Following Tropical Cyclone Narelle

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDQ20900) for the Cape York Peninsula and parts of the North Tropical Coast. This alert serves as early advice for possible minor to moderate riverine flooding within specified catchments.

Affected Areas

The watch covers a broad region including the Cape York Peninsula and the North Tropical Coast. Specific catchments likely to be affected include:

• Cape York Peninsula: Jacky Jacky Creek, Olive and Pascoe Rivers, Lockhart River, Stewart River, Normanby River, Jeannie River, Endeavour River, Staaten River, Mitchell River (including Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama), 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, and Jardine River.
• North Tropical Coast: Daintree River, Barron River, Mulgrave and Russell Rivers, Johnstone River, and Murray River.

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 routes.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Tropical Cyclone Narelle has crossed the Cape York Peninsula and is currently moving west across the Gulf of Carpentaria. While the system is moving away, moderate to localized heavy rainfall remains possible through the remainder of Saturday. Because catchments are already saturated, they are expected to respond quickly to additional falls. Widespread flooding is already occurring across the Cape York Peninsula, and disruption to transport routes is likely or already underway.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 10:14 am AEST on Saturday, 21 March 2026. Minor to moderate flooding is possible from Saturday onwards. The rainfall is expected to largely ease by Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology will provide the next update by 2:00 PM AEST on Sunday, 22 March 2026.