Flood Watch Issued for Gulf Country and Cape York Peninsula River Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDQ20900) for several river catchments in Queensland. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding in the specified regions as a trough and moist tropical airmass linger over the area.

Affected Areas

The watch covers parts of the Gulf Country and Cape York Peninsula. Specific catchments likely to be affected include:

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

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 and potentially life-threatening.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A trough and moist tropical airmass are expected to bring moderate to locally heavy rainfall across the region. Because catchments are already wet to saturated from recent rainfall, they are expected to respond quickly to further precipitation. Potential impacts include rapid river level rises, localized flooding, and significant disruption to transport routes. Widespread minor to major flooding is already continuing across large parts of Queensland.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:35 pm AEST on Friday, March 13, 2026. Rainfall is expected to begin easing from Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AEST on Saturday, March 14, 2026.