Minor Flood Warning For The Mulgrave River And Flood Warning For The Russell River
20 MARCH 2026 04:22 AEST
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations
Minor Flood Warning For The Mulgrave River And Flood Warning For The Russell River
Issued at 04:22 AM AEST on Friday 20 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 3
MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT PEETS BRIDGE AND GORDONVALE DURING FRIDAY
Moderate rainfall has been observed in the Mulgrave and Russell Rivers catchment during Wednesday and Thursday, resulting in river and creek level rises. Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring further heavy rainfall across the catchment during Friday and into the weekend. Minor flooding may develop along the Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge Friday afternoon and at Gordonvale Friday evening. 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 is being 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 is possible along the Mulgrave River.
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 reach around the minor flood level (5.00 m) Friday afternoon. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.
The Mulgrave River at Gordonvale is currently at 9.05 m and rising, below the minor flood level.
The Mulgrave River at Gordonvale may reach around the minor flood level (12.00 m) Friday evening. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.
Russell River:
River level rises and flooding are 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 11:00 AM AEST on Friday 20 March 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Mulgrave River at The Fisheries,2.35,steady,3:24 am Fri 20/03/26
Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge,3.27,steady,3:17 am Fri 20/03/26
Mulgrave River at Gordonvale,9.05,rising,3:54 am Fri 20/03/26
Russell River at Bucklands,4.39,steady,3:05 am Fri 20/03/26
Babinda Creek at The Boulders,1.52,falling,3:00 am Fri 20/03/26
Russell River at Clyde Rd,-0.08,steady,3:49 am Fri 20/03/26
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.
