Major Flood Warning Issued for Nicholson and Albert Rivers Near Burketown

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a major flood warning (IDQ20876) for the Nicholson and Albert Rivers. The warning was issued at 2:05 pm AEST on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, as river levels remain elevated across the lower catchment areas following recent rainfall.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Nicholson, Gregory, and Albert Rivers in Queensland. Key locations and monitoring points impacted include:

• Burketown Airstrip and surrounding areas
• Escott Station
• Gregory Downs and Riversleigh
• Floraville (Leichhardt River)

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to take the following 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 to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

While river levels are currently easing in upstream parts of the catchment, they remain elevated in the lower Nicholson River. Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast over the coming days, which may lead to renewed river level rises along the Nicholson, Gregory, and Albert Rivers. A Flood Watch is also current for the Leichhardt River catchment.

Latest river height observations include:

• Nicholson River at Escott Station: 3.38 m and rising (as of 10:39 am Wednesday)
• Leichhardt River at Floraville: 2.23 m and rising (as of 1:00 pm Wednesday)
• Gregory River at Gregory Downs: 1.69 m and steady
• Gregory River at Riversleigh: 1.45 m and steady

Timeline

The alert is currently active and is expected to remain in effect until at least 7:05 am on Saturday, 14 March 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology will monitor the situation and expects to issue the next update by 3:00 pm AEST on Friday, 13 March 2026.