Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy Rainfall

for parts of Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast District.

Issued at 5:40 pm Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

Heavy rainfall with thunderstorms in the central east.

Weather Situation
A trough extending from the Central Coast through to the Gulf Country combines with a humid airmass to trigger slow moving thunderstorms with the risk of heavy rainfall.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Central Coast and Whitsundays
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.
Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.

The next warning is due to be issued by 8:40 pm.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy Rainfall

for parts of Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast District.

Issued at 5:40 pm Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

Heavy rainfall with thunderstorms in the central east.

Weather Situation
A trough extending from the Central Coast through to the Gulf Country combines with a humid airmass to trigger slow moving thunderstorms with the risk of heavy rainfall.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Central Coast and Whitsundays
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.
Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.

The next warning is due to be issued by 8:40 pm.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Australia

Flood Watch For Parts Of Northern Queensland And The Cape York Peninsula
Issued at 01:38 PM AEST on Wednesday 18 February 2026
Flood Watch Number: 10
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
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.

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 Thursday 19 February 2026.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Minor Flood Warning For The Dawson River
Issued at 01:19 PM AEST on Wednesday 18 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 5

RENEWED MINOR FLOODING MAY DEVELOP AT TAROOM FROM OVERNIGHT WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY
MINOR FLOODING EXPECTED TO BE OCCURRING AT BARALABA
Moderate to heavy rainfall over the last few days across the Dawson River catchment has caused rises in river and creek levels. Renewed minor flooding may develop at Taroom from overnight Wednesday into Thursday as floodwaters continue to move downstream. Along the Upper Dawson River, the flood peak is currently moving through the Glebe Weir. Further downstream at Baralaba, minor flooding is expected to be occurring.
No significant rainfall has been recorded across the catchment in the past 24 hours.

Dawson River to Theodore:
Renewed minor flooding may develop along the Dawson River to Theodore.
The Dawson River at Taroom is currently at 4.33 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Dawson River at Taroom may reach around the minor flood level (4.50 m) overnight Wednesday into Thursday as floodwaters continue to move downstream.

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) for the next few days. 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 Thursday 19 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Dawson River at Utopia Downs,2.13,steady,12:00 pm Wed 18/02/26
Dawson River at Tarana Crossing,2.63,falling,12:38 pm Wed 18/02/26
Juandah Creek at Windamere,1.12,steady,12:00 pm Wed 18/02/26
Dawson River at Taroom,4.30,falling,12:00 pm Wed 18/02/26
Dawson River at Gyranda Weir,0.75,steady,12:00 pm Wed 18/02/26
Dawson River at Theodore Weir,6.89,steady,12:48 pm Wed 18/02/26
Dawson River at Moura Weir,0.51,steady,12:00 pm Wed 18/02/26
Mimosa Creek at Karamea,4.91,falling,1:07 pm Wed 18/02/26
Dawson River at Baralaba TW,5.75,falling,1:00 pm Wed 18/02/26

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, National Water Operations

Flood Warning For The Pioneer River
Issued at 11:34 AM AEST on Wednesday 18 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 2

LOCALISED FLOODING OCCURRING ACROSS THE PIONEER RIVER CATCHMENT
Moderate to heavy rainfall totals have been recorded from Monday night through to Wednesday morning, which has resulted in river and creek level rises in the upper part of the Pioneer River catchment.
Further moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the next few days. This additional rainfall may lead to renewed further river and creek level rises across the catchment.

Pioneer River:
Minor flooding is occurring along Cattle Creek at Finch Hatton and Gargett, and along the Pioneer River at Mirani Township.

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 01:00 PM AEST on Thursday 19 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Teemburra Dam,0.44,steady,10:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Blacks Creek at Whiteford,2.41,steady,11:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Pioneer River at Sarich,3.34,steady,11:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Finch Hatton Creek at Gorge Road,2.30,falling,11:23 am Wed 18/02/26
Cattle Creek at Finch Hatton,2.75,falling,11:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Cattle Creek at Gargett,4.25,falling,11:20 am Wed 18/02/26
Pioneer River at Mirani Weir HG,47.27,rising,10:53 am Wed 18/02/26
Pioneer River at Marian Weir,1.34,steady,11:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Pioneer River at Marian Weir,1.80,steady,11:11 am Wed 18/02/26
Pioneer River at Dumbleton Rocks,15.97,falling,11:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Pioneer River at Hospital Bridge,6.25,rising,11:19 am Wed 18/02/26
Pioneer River at Mackay,6.20,rising,11:15 am Wed 18/02/26
Outer Harbour Tide,6.56,rising,11:06 am Wed 18/02/26

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, National Water Operations

Minor Flood Warning For The Don River
Issued at 11:29 AM AEST on Wednesday 18 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 2

MINOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT BOWEN PUMP STATION
Moderate to heavy rainfall since Monday has resulted in river level rises and minor flooding along the Don River.
Further moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the next few days which may cause renewed river level rises.

Don River:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Don River.
The Don River at Bowen Pump Station is currently at 2.65 m and rising, with minor flooding.
The Don River at Bowen Pump Station is likely to reach near 3.10 m Wednesday afternoon, with minor flooding. The river is likely to remain above the minor flood level (2.50 m) for the remainder of Wednesday and into Thursday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

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 12:00 PM AEST on Thursday 19 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Don River at Ida Creek,1.93,steady,10:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Don River at Mount Dangar,2.40,falling,11:06 am Wed 18/02/26
Don River at Reeves,3.17,falling,10:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Don River at Bowen Pump Station,2.65,rising,10:51 am Wed 18/02/26
Bowen Tide,3.37,rising,11:04 am Wed 18/02/26
Proserpine River at Peter Faust Dam HG,-0.64,steady,11:00 am Wed 18/02/26

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, National Water Operations

Moderate Flood Warning For The Cape River
Issued at 09:10 AM AEST on Wednesday 18 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 4

MODERATE FLOODING LIKELY AT TAEMAS LATE WEDNESDAY MORNING
Moderate to heavy rainfall during last few days has caused river level rises along the Cape River with minor flooding occurring at Taemas, where river levels have been rising and are likely to reach around the moderate flood level late Wednesday morning.
Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the catchment throughout the week, which may cause additional river level rises. The situation is being monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch for parts of Northern Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula is current.

Cape River to Burdekin Falls Dam:
Moderate flooding is likely at Taemas.
The Cape River at Taemas is currently at 6.76 m and steady, with minor flooding.
The Cape River at Taemas is likely to reach around the moderate flood level (7.00 m) late Wednesday morning. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

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 10:00 AM AEST on Thursday 19 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Cape River at Pentland,2.23,steady,8:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Cape River at Taemas,6.76,steady,7:55 am Wed 18/02/26
Burdekin Dam,1.55,steady,9:00 am Wed 18/02/26

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.