Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in North West and parts of Gulf Country and Channel Country Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:14 pm Friday, 20 February 2026.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL DEVELOPING OVER WESTERN QUEENSLAND FROM TONIGHT.

Weather Situation: A tropical low is situated near the North West, Channel Country and Northern Territory border region and is expected to move slowly southward and strengthens over the weekend. Rich tropical moisture is feeding into the system, which will bring a broad risk of heavy to locally intense rainfall, especially on its eastern side over western Queensland. The chance of locally intense rainfall is greatest during the overnight hours.

HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the North West, Channel Country and far southwestern Gulf Country from late Friday evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 55 and 80 mm are likely, with localised falls to 130 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are likely, with localised falls to 220 mm possible.

These conditions also present a risk to cattle and other livestock.

Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Camooweal, Boulia, Urandangi and Dajarra.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.