Flood Watch Issued for Gulf Country and Cape York Peninsula Amid Widespread Queensland Flooding

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDQ20900) for parts of the Gulf Country and Cape York Peninsula. This update, issued at 11:35 am AEST on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, follows widespread minor to major flooding already occurring across large parts of Queensland.

Affected Areas

The primary catchments likely to be affected include:

• Leichhardt River
• Cloncurry River
• Staaten River
• Mitchell River (specifically elevated levels expected along Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama)

Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchments: Cape to Burdekin Falls Dam, Burdekin to Burdekin Falls Dam, Pine and Caboolture, and Moonie.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning areas should take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater. It is dangerous and life-threatening.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Stay informed by checking local media and the BOM website for updates.

Expected Conditions

Although the remnants of the tropical low have moved offshore, a trough and moist tropical airmass linger across the southern Gulf Coast and Cape York Peninsula. Because catchments are already wet to saturated from recent rainfall, they will respond quickly to further heavy falls. Rapid river level rises and localized flooding are possible, and disruption to transport routes is likely across the watch area.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:35 am AEST on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 PM AEST on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.