Minor Flood Warning Issued for Herbert River Catchment in North Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20725) for the Herbert River. This is the third flood warning issued for this event, following moderate to heavy rainfall across the catchment.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Herbert River at Abergowrie Bridge, Gleneagle Homestead, Halifax, and areas downstream of Nash’s Crossing. While river levels at Ingham and Gairloch are expected to remain below minor flood levels, the Herbert River catchment is currently saturated and is expected to respond quickly to any further rainfall.

What You Should Do

Residents 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 local media and the ABC for updates.
• 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

• Abergowrie Bridge: Currently at 6.17 meters and steady with minor flooding occurring. It is expected to remain above the minor level through Saturday afternoon before falling in the evening.
• Halifax: Currently at 3.31 meters and rising. It may reach the minor flood level of 4.00 meters on Saturday evening.
• Gleneagle Homestead: Currently at 3.83 meters and rising. It is expected to exceed the minor flood level of 4.50 meters Saturday evening and may peak during Sunday.
• General: Further rainfall is possible for the remainder of Saturday across the already saturated catchment.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 2:35 PM AEST on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Minor flooding is currently occurring at Abergowrie and is expected to develop at Halifax and Gleneagle on Saturday evening. The situation is being monitored, and the next formal warning update is scheduled to be issued by 10:00 AM AEST on Sunday, March 22, 2026.