FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM
for the
NORMAN RIVER

Norman River at Normanton

Contained in this document is information about: (Last updated June 2008) Flood Risk Previous Flooding Flood Forecasting Local Information Flood Warnings and Bulletins Interpreting Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins Flood Classifications Catchment Map

Flood Risk

The Norman River catchment is located in north west Queensland and covers an area of approximately 49,000 square kilometres. The river rises in the Gregory Range (Great Dividing Range) 200 kilometres southeast of Croydon and flows in a northwesterly direction. It is joined by its major tributaries, the Clara and Yappar Rivers, near the river height and rainfall station of Yappar River. The river flows through the major town of Normanton, before finally entering the Gulf of Carpentaria through the major fishing port of Karumba. The only other town in the catchment is the old historic gold mining town of Croydon.  Floods normally develop in the headwaters of the Norman, Clara and Yappar Rivers, however, general heavy rainfall situations can develop from cyclonic influences causing widespread flooding, particularly in the lower delta country  around Normanton and Karumba. 

The record major flood of January 1974 and to a lesser extent, the flood of February 1991, caused widespread road closures, and the inundation of Normanton and many properties throughout the catchment.

Previous Flooding

Historic flood information for the Norman River is limited. Heights are available for the 1974 flood and recent floods in the 1990's.

Flood Forecasting

The Bureau of Meteorology operates a flood warning system for the Norman River based on a rainfall and river height observations network shown on the map. The network consists of a number of volunteer rainfall and river height observers who forward observations by telephone when the initial flood height has been exceeded at their station.

The Bureau's Flood Warning Centre issues Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins for the Gulf Rivers, including the Norman River, during flood events.

Local Information

The Local Government is able to provide further information on flooding in your area of the Norman River catchment.

Flood Warnings and Bulletins

The Bureau of Meteorology issues Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins for the Gulf River catchments, including the Norman River basin, regularly during floods. They are sent to radio stations for broadcast, and to local Councils, emergency services and  a large number of other agencies involved in managing flood response activities. 

Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins are available via : 

Local response organisations
These include the Councils, Police, and State Emergency Services in the local area. 

Internet/World Wide Web

Telephone Weather

Interpreting Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins

Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins contain observed river heights for a selection of the river height monitoring locations. The time at which the river reading has been taken is given together with its tendency (e.g. rising, falling, steady or at its peak). The Flood Warnings may also contain predictions in the form of minor, moderate or major flooding for a period in the future. River Height Bulletins also give the height above or below the road bridge or causeway for each river station located near a road crossing. 

One of the simplest ways of understanding what the actual or predicted river height means is to compare the height given in the Warning or Bulletin with the height of previous floods at that location. 

The table below summarises the flood history of the Norman River basin - it contains the flood gauge heights of the more significant recent floods.

Historical flood heights for all river stations in the Norman River Floodwarning network, as shown on the map, are available from the Bureau of Meteorology upon request.

Flood Classifications

At each flood warning river height station, the severity of flooding is described as minor, moderate or major according to the effects caused in the local area or in nearby downstream areas. Terms used in Flood Warnings are based on the following definitions.

Major Flooding : This causes inundation of large areas, isolating towns and cities. Major disruptions occur to road and rail links. Evacuation of many houses and business premises may be required. In rural areas widespread flooding of farmland is likely. Moderate Flooding : This causes the inundation of low lying areas requiring the removal of stock and/or the evacuation of some houses. Main traffic bridges may be closed by floodwaters.  Minor Flooding : This causes inconvenience such as closing of minor roads and the submergence of low level bridges and makes the removal of pumps located adjacent to the river necessary.

Each river height station has a pre-determined flood classification which details heights on gauges at which minor, moderate and major flooding commences. Other flood heights may also be defined which indicate at what height the local road crossing or town becomes affected by floodwaters. 

The table below shows the flood classifications for selected river height stations in the Norman River catchment. 

The above details are correct at the time of preparing this document. Up-to-date flood classifications and other details for all flood warning stations in the network are at:

Catchment Map showing the Norman River flood warning network