Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Flood Warning For The Nicholson River
Issued at 12:59 PM AEST on Thursday 08 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 12

FLOODING CONTINUING ALONG THE NICHOLSON RIVER
Widespread heavy rainfall in late December and early January has caused river and creek level rises and areas of flooding across the Nicholson and Leichhardt catchments.
River levels along the Nicholson River and along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip are expected to remain elevated for the next few days.
Showers and thunderstorms are possible over the next few days, however further heavy rainfall is not expected for the remainder of the week. Heavy rainfall may redevelop from next week, with a low forecast to move over northern Queensland. This may result in renewed river level rises and flooding.
This situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as required.

Nicholson and Gregory Rivers:
River levels along the Nicholson River at Escott Station and Gregory River at Gregory Downs are expected to be elevated. Minor flooding is no longer occurring along the Gregory River at Gregory Downs.
No observations are currently available for the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip.
River levels along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip are expected to be elevated for the next few days.

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 Friday 09 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Gregory River at Riversleigh,1.57,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Gregory River at Gregory Downs,2.29,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Nicholson River at Escott Station,6.90,falling,12:30 pm Thu 08/01/26
Burketown Tide,3.32,falling,12:33 pm Thu 08/01/26
Leichhardt River at Doughboy Ck,1.32,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Leichhardt River at Julius Dam,0.06,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Leichhardt River at Miranda Creek,2.34,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Gunpowder Creek at Gunpowder,1.37,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Leichhardt River at Lorraine,5.80,falling,6:30 am Tue 06/01/26
Leichhardt River at Floraville,2.92,falling,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26

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.