Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:38 pm EST on Tuesday 28 December 2021

Flood Watch Number: 3

MINOR FLOODING FROM WEDNESDAY ACROSS PARTS OF THE FLOOD WATCH AREA, MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE

A developing tropical low associated with the monsoon trough over northern Australia is forecast to move into the Gulf of Carpentaria late Tuesday, then move east across northern Queensland from late Wednesday into Thursday.

Heavy rainfall is forecast over the next few days, initially over the Cape York Peninsula and lower Gulf catchments, before extending eastwards to affect the North Tropical Coast on Wednesday and Thursday. Very heavy rainfall is likely locally, with potentially intense rainfall in isolated locations. Rainfall is expected to ease from Friday as the low moves offshore.

The majority of catchments across the Flood Watch area are relatively dry, which will limit their initial response to rainfall. However, with prolonged rainfall, river level rises above the minor flood level are likely from late Wednesday into Thursday. Areas of moderate flooding are possible, most likely within the smaller coastal catchments.

Localised flooding and disruption to transport routes are likely across parts of the Flood Watch area.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Settlement Creek
Nicholson River
Leichhardt River
Upper Flinders River
Lower Flinders River
Cloncurry River
Norman River
Gilbert River
Jardine River
Ducie, Jackson and Skardon Rivers
Wenlock River
Embley and Mission Rivers
Watson River
Archer and Coen Rivers
Holroyd and Kendall Rivers
Coleman and Edward Rivers
Mitchell River
Staaten River
Jacky Jacky Creek
Olive and Pascoe Rivers
Lockhart River
Stewart River
Normanby River
Jeannie River
Endeavour River
Daintree River
Mossman River
Barron River
Mulgrave and Russell Rivers
Johnstone River
Tully River
Murray River
Herbert River
Black River
Ross and Bohle Rivers
Haughton River
Don and Proserpine Rivers

See www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings to view the current flood and cyclone products for Queensland.

For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml

Flood Safety Advice:
This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks should monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

Remember: If it's flooded, forget it.

For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Current emergency information is available at www.qld.gov.au/alerts.

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219 at a low call cost of 27.5 cents, more from mobile, public and satellite phones.

Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/

Rainfall and River Conditions Map