Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Initial Minor Flood Warning For The Mulgrave River And Flood Warning For The Russell River Issued at 12:43 PM AEST on Thursday 19 March 2026 Flood Warning Number: 1 MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT PEETS BRIDGE AND GORDONVALE FROM OVERNIGHT THURSDAY Moderate rainfall has been observed in the Mulgrave and Russell Rivers catchment during Wednesday and into Thursday, resulting in river and creek level rises. Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring further heavy rainfall across the catchment from Thursday. Minor flooding may develop from overnight Thursday and further rises are possible with forecast rainfall. The Mulgrave and Russell catchment is saturated due to recent rainfall and flooding, which means the catchment will respond very quickly to forecast rainfall. This situation will be closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required. A Severe Tropical Cyclone Advice is current for Far North Queensland. A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Cape York Peninsula and North Tropical Coast. Mulgrave River: Minor flooding possible along the Mulgrave River from Thursday night. The Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge is currently at 3.27 m and steady, below the minor flood level. The Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge may exceed the minor flood level (5.00 m) overnight Thursday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain. The Mulgrave River at Gordonvale is currently at 9.05 m and falling, below the minor flood level. The Mulgrave River at Gordonvale may exceed the minor flood level (12.00 m) Friday morning. Further rises are possible with forecast rain. Russell River: River level rises and flooding possible along the Russell river. 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 PM AEST on Thursday 19 March 2026. Latest River Heights: Mulgrave River at The Fisheries,2.40,steady,12:24 pm Thu 19/03/26 Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge,3.27,steady,12:10 pm Thu 19/03/26 Mulgrave River at Gordonvale,9.05,falling,11:58 am Thu 19/03/26 Russell River at Bucklands,4.55,steady,12:00 pm Thu 19/03/26 Babinda Creek at The Boulders,1.70,steady,12:14 pm Thu 19/03/26 Russell River at Clyde Rd,-0.08,steady,12:29 pm Thu 19/03/26 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.