Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Minor Flood Warning For The Dawson River
Issued at 01:42 PM AEST on Tuesday 17 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 4

MINOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT TAROOM
MINOR FLOODING EXPECTED TO BE OCCURRING AT BARALABA
Recent moderate to heavy rainfall across the Dawson River catchment has caused rises in river and creek levels. Along the Upper Dawson River, the flood peak is now approaching Glebe Weir. Further downstream at Baralaba, minor flooding is expected to be occurring.
Rainfall has eased, however, the situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.

Dawson River to Theodore:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Dawson River to Theodore.
The Dawson River at Taroom is currently at 4.67 m and steady, with minor flooding.
The Dawson River at Taroom is likely to remain above the minor flood level (4.50 m) during Tuesday into Wednesday. Renewed rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

Dawson River downstream of Theodore:
Minor flooding is expected to be occurring along the Dawson River downstream of Theodore.
No current observations are available for the Dawson River at Baralaba. Based on the nearby automatic gauge, the river level is estimated to be above the minor flood level (4.00 m) and rising.
The Dawson River at Baralaba may remain above the minor flood level (4.00 m) during Tuesday into Wednesday. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

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 Wednesday 18 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Dawson River at Utopia Downs,2.55,steady,1:00 pm Tue 17/02/26
Dawson River at Tarana Crossing,4.03,steady,12:48 pm Tue 17/02/26
Juandah Creek at Windamere,1.46,falling,1:00 pm Tue 17/02/26
Dawson River at Taroom,4.66,steady,1:00 pm Tue 17/02/26
Dawson River at Gyranda Weir,0.58,steady,12:00 pm Tue 17/02/26
Dawson River at Theodore Weir,6.74,steady,1:00 pm Tue 17/02/26
Dawson River at Moura Weir,0.51,steady,12:00 pm Tue 17/02/26
Mimosa Creek at Karamea,6.91,falling,1:07 pm Tue 17/02/26
Dawson River at Baralaba TW,5.67,rising,1:00 pm Tue 17/02/26

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.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Australia

Flood Watch For Parts Of Northern Queensland And The Cape York Peninsula
Issued at 01:35 PM AEST on Tuesday 17 February 2026
Flood Watch Number: 9
FLOODING LIKELY TO BECOME MORE WIDESPREAD OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Mulgrave and Russell Rivers
Tully River
Murray River
Black River
Ross and Bohle Rivers
Haughton River
Belyando and Suttor Rivers to Burdekin Falls Dam
Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam
Burdekin River to Burdekin Falls Dam
Burdekin River downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam
Connors, Isaac and Styx Rivers and Plane Creek
Nicholson River
Leichhardt River
Lower Flinders River
Cloncurry River
Gilbert River
Staaten River
Mitchell River

Flood warnings are current for numerous catchments across the state, including the Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam, which has been removed from this Flood Watch.

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood

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 Flood Watch will be issued by 02:00 PM AEST on Wednesday 18 February 2026.