AUSTRALIA, 23 February 2026 – Millions of Australians are currently under severe weather alerts as a massive “multi-day heavy rainfall event” sweeps across the continent. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a series of urgent flood watches and warnings spanning from the tropical north to the southern river systems, with some regions bracing for hundreds of millimetres of rain in the coming 48 hours.
The current deluge is being driven by intense thunderstorms and a widespread low-pressure system, impacting Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia, and parts of New South Wales. Emergency services are on high alert as catchments already saturated from previous summer storms begin to overflow.
Current Flood Warnings and Alerts
As of Monday afternoon, the most critical concerns are centred on the following regions:
- Northern Territory & Queensland: Flood watches are active for the Nicholson River, Finke River, Stephenson Creek, and the Simpson Desert. Intense rainfall is expected to cause dangerous flash flooding across these central and eastern catchments.
- South Australia: A severe weather warning is in place for the Flinders, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, and North West Pastoral districts. Authorities have warned of significant accumulated totals that may isolate outback communities.
- Victoria: A flood watch has been issued for the Maribyrnong River, with minor to moderate flooding possible starting Tuesday night.
- New South Wales: Flood watches have extended into the far north-west of the state as the weather system tracks eastward.
Historical Context: Australia’s Deadliest Hazard
Flooding remains one of the most significant natural threats to the Australian environment and economy. According to the Australian Climate Service, flooding is the second deadliest natural hazard in the country after heatwaves, accounting for approximately 20% of all natural hazard fatalities between 1900 and 2022.
| Event / Region | Historical Significance | Primary Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Flood (1893) | One of the earliest recorded major urban floods. | Tropical Cyclone Bundinyong |
| Northern Australia (2019) | Most significant flood event for 50 years in Queensland. | Monsoonal Trough |
| Eastern Australia (2022) | Record-breaking “Rain Bomb” causing tens of thousands of evacuations. | Complex Low-Pressure Systems |
| Great Ocean Road (2026) | Recent flash flooding washing cars to sea in Victoria. | Severe Thunderstorms |
Climate Change and the “New Era” of Disasters
Climate scientists and the Climate Council have noted that Australia has entered a “new era” of unnatural disasters. The warming atmosphere, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, allows the air to hold more moisture, leading to more frequent and intense “rain bomb” events. This trend was notably observed during the 2022 floods and has continued into the 2025–2026 season with events like Tropical Cyclone Mitchell and Ex-Cyclone Koji.
Public sentiment reflects growing concern over these patterns. Recent insights from community forums highlight a 13-year low in economic confidence, partly attributed to the rising costs of disaster recovery and the increasing difficulty of securing affordable home insurance in flood-prone areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “rain bomb”?
A “rain bomb” is an informal term used by meteorologists to describe an intense, record-breaking rainstorm that dumps a vast amount of water over a short period, often leading to rapid flash flooding.
Which Australian state is most prone to flooding?
While all states experience floods, Queensland and New South Wales historically face the most frequent and damaging riverine and flash flooding due to their tropical and sub-tropical weather patterns.
Where can I find real-time flood updates?
Australians are advised to monitor the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) website, the ABC Emergency portal, and local state SES (State Emergency Service) social media pages for the latest life-saving information and evacuation orders.