Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations
Reissued to correct possible minor timing for Gordonvale to overnight Friday into Saturday
Minor Flood Warning For The Mulgrave River And Flood Warning For The Russell River
Issued at 09:55 AM AEST on Friday 09 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 4
MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT PEETS BRIDGE AND GORDONVALE OVERNIGHT FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY
Rainfall overnight Wednesday into Thursday has led to river level rises across the Mulgrave and Russell River catchments. Minor flood peaks were observed at Peets Bridge and Gordonvale during Thursday afternoon. River levels have now fallen below minor flood levels along the Mulgrave River but renewed rises to the minor flood level are possible with forecast rainfall overnight Friday into Saturday.
Further heavy to locally intense rainfall remains possible over the coming days. Higher levels may be possible with forecast rain. The situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for adjoining catchments. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy to locally intense rainfall is current for the Mulgrave-Russell catchment.
Mulgrave River:
Minor flooding is possible along the Mulgrave River.
The Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge peaked at 6.20 m AHD around 03:00 pm Thursday 8 January, with minor flooding. The river is currently at 3.59 m AHD and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge may reach around the minor flood level (5.00 m AHD) overnight Friday into Saturday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.
The Mulgrave River at Gordonvale peaked at 12.50 m around 05:00 pm Thursday 8 January, with minor flooding. The river is currently at 9.85 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Mulgrave River at Gordonvale may reach around the minor flood level (12.00 m) overnight Friday into Saturday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.
Russell River:
River levels are elevated along the Russell River, with minor flooding occurring at Clyde Road. Further river level rises are likely with forecast rainfall.
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 Saturday 10 January 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Mulgrave River at The Fisheries,2.46,falling,9:00 am Fri 09/01/26
Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge,3.59,falling,9:20 am Fri 09/01/26
Mulgrave River at Gordonvale,9.85,falling,9:40 am Fri 09/01/26
Russell River at Bucklands,5.70,steady,9:21 am Fri 09/01/26
Babinda Creek at The Boulders,1.87,steady,9:00 am Fri 09/01/26
Russell River at Clyde Rd,0.72,steady,9:38 am Fri 09/01/26
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.