Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations
Flood Warning For The Nicholson, Gregory, And Albert Rivers
Issued at 01:49 PM AEST on Friday 30 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 11
ELEVATED RIVER LEVELS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ALONG THE ALBERT RIVER (INCLUDING AT BURKETOWN), LOWER NICHOLSON AND GREGORY RIVERS
Small renewed river level rises are occurring along Lawn Hill Creek following localised rainfall Thursday into Friday. This is expected to bring renewed rises along the Albert River in the next few days, including at Burketown Airstrip. River levels remain elevated but are continuing to fall across the Gregory River.
Further rainfall may develop through the weekend and into next week, which may result in additional renewed river level rises. The situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Cape York Peninsula and Gulf Country.
Nicholson and Gregory Rivers:
Flooding is expected to be continuing at some low lying areas.
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 Monday 02 February 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Gregory River at Riversleigh,1.52,steady,1:00 pm Fri 30/01/26
Gregory River at Gregory Downs,1.56,steady,1:00 pm Fri 30/01/26
Burketown Tide,3.32,rising,1:33 pm Fri 30/01/26
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
Augustus Downs (18.5731°S, 139.8677°E, 25m AMSL) set as my default location ›
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7 day forecast
Today: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers near the E coast, medium chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe with heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding. Winds NE 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures 29 to 35.
Forecast for Augustus Downs (18.5731°S, 139.8677°E, 25m AMSL) Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Summary
Minimum 25° 24° 24° 24° 25° 25° 25° Maximum 30° 29° 31° 31° 32° 31° 32° Chance of rain 70% 60% 60% 60% 80% 90% 90% Likely amount 10-20mm 1-5mm 10-20mm 20-40mm 10-20mm 20-40mm 5-10mm UV index Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Fire Danger Rating No Rating No Rating No Rating No Rating - - - 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)21
(km/h)16
(km/h)19
(km/h)13
(km/h)20
(km/h)13
(km/h)20
(km/h)18
(km/h)22
(km/h)16
(km/h)20
(km/h)12
(km/h)16
(km/h)Wind direction ENE NE ENE NE ENE ENE ENE ENE E ENE E NE E NE Relative humidity 89% 89% 92% 86% 90% 80% 93% 84% 93% 84% 95% 88% 90% 82% Dew point 26°C 27°C 25°C 26°C 25°C 26°C 26°C 27°C 27°C 28°C 27°C 28°C 27°C 28°C -
Sunrise and sunset times
Sunrise / Sunset for Augustus Downs (18.5731°S, 139.8677°E, 25m AMSL) First light Sunrise Sunset Last light Moon rise Moon set Moon phase Full moon Last quarter New moon First quarter 6:05am EST 6:28am EST 7:22pm EST 7:45pm EST 6:07pm EST 4:18am EST
Waxing gibbous
Full moon Feb 02 Last quarter Feb 09 New moon Feb 17 First quarter Feb 24 -
Warnings
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Temperature for next 7 days
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Rain for next 7 days