Flood Watch Issued for Gulf Country and Cape York Peninsula as Major Flooding Continues

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 alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments as widespread minor to major flooding continues across large parts of Queensland.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are likely to be affected:

• Gulf Country and Cape York Peninsula
• Leichhardt River
• Cloncurry River
• Staaten River
• Mitchell River (specifically elevated levels expected along Magnificent Creek at Kowanyama)

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area 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 further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Expected Conditions

A trough and moist tropical airmass lingering across the southern Gulf Coast and Cape York Peninsula are expected to bring moderate to locally heavy rainfall over the coming days. Because catchments are already wet to saturated from recent rainfall, they are expected to respond quickly. Residents should prepare for rapid river level rises, localised flooding, and likely disruptions to transport routes.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:18 pm AEST on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The situation is expected to persist over the next few days. The Bureau of Meteorology anticipates issuing the next Flood Watch update by 1:00 PM AEST on Thursday, 12 March 2026.