Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations
Initial Flood Warning For The Nicholson And Gregory Rivers
Issued at 03:51 PM AEST on Friday 16 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 1
ELEVATED RIVER LEVELS AND FLOODING LIKELY ALONG THE NICHOLSON AND GREGORY RIVERS FROM OVERNIGHT FRIDAY
Moderate to locally heavy rainfall has been recorded across the Nicholson catchment over the last 24 hours. River level rises have been observed along the Gregory River with flooding likely overnight Friday and into the weekend.
Further rainfall is forecast across the catchment over the next few days, which may result in further river level rises and flooding. This situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for the Gulf Country and parts of the Cape York Peninsula, which includes the Nicholson and Leichhardt catchments.
Nicholson and Gregory Rivers:
Flooding is likely along the Nicholson and Gregory Rivers from overnight Friday.
Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 02:00 PM AEST on Saturday 17 January 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Gregory River at Riversleigh,2.66,steady,3:00 pm Fri 16/01/26
Gregory River at Gregory Downs,3.87,rising,3:20 pm Fri 16/01/26
Burketown Tide,3.39,rising,3:33 pm Fri 16/01/26
Leichhardt River at Doughboy Ck,1.45,steady,3:00 pm Fri 16/01/26
Leichhardt River at Julius Dam,0.27,steady,3:00 pm Fri 16/01/26
Leichhardt River at Miranda Creek,2.87,rising,3:00 pm Fri 16/01/26
Gunpowder Creek at Gunpowder,3.15,falling,3:00 pm Fri 16/01/26
Leichhardt River at Lorraine,1.10,falling,9:00 am Tue 13/01/26
Leichhardt River at Floraville,2.29,steady,3:00 pm Fri 16/01/26
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.
Forecast
Elliott (17.5521°S, 133.5427°E, 212m AMSL) set as my default location ›
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7 day forecast
Today: Cloudy. Very high chance of rain, most likely in the morning. A thunderstorm likely, possibly severe with damaging winds NW of Kakadu Highway. Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding possible. Damaging winds possible NW of Kakadu Highway. Light winds.
Forecast for Elliott (17.5521°S, 133.5427°E, 212m AMSL) Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Summary 
Minimum 27° 27° 27° 28° 28° 28° 28° Maximum 37° 38° 38° 39° 39° 37° 34° Chance of rain 30% 30% 40% 30% 60% 70% 50% Likely amount < 1mm < 1mm 1-5mm < 1mm 1-5mm 10-20mm < 1mm UV index Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Fire Danger Rating Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate - - - Frost risk Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm Wind speed 16
(km/h)23
(km/h)14
(km/h)22
(km/h)10
(km/h)19
(km/h)10
(km/h)14
(km/h)13
(km/h)10
(km/h)16
(km/h)9
(km/h)14
(km/h)10
(km/h)Wind direction ESE ESE ESE ESE NE ESE N E WNW NNW NW WNW WNW NNW Relative humidity 70% 43% 67% 35% 68% 33% 68% 31% 63% 31% 64% 37% 62% 36% Dew point 24°C 23°C 24°C 20°C 24°C 20°C 25°C 19°C 24°C 20°C 23°C 21°C 21°C 18°C -
Sunrise and sunset times
Sunrise / Sunset for Elliott (17.5521°S, 133.5427°E, 212m AMSL) First light Sunrise Sunset Last light Moon rise Moon set Moon phase New moon First quarter Full moon Last quarter 5:51am CST 6:14am CST 7:17pm CST 7:41pm CST 4:29am CST 6:14pm CST 
Waning crescent
New moon Jan 19 First quarter Jan 26 Full moon Feb 02 Last quarter Feb 09 -
Warnings
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Temperature for next 7 days
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Rain for next 7 days
