Queensland floods isolate towns; New Zealand faces severe weather, landslides

Flooding in Western Queensland has led to the isolation of towns like Bedourie, Birdsville, and Boulia, with some areas potentially cut off for months. Emergency supplies are being delivered by air. Simultaneously, a tropical low is expected to bring drought relief to south-eastern Australia, but also raises the risk of flash flooding and severe thunderstorms. In New Zealand, the Bay of Plenty is grappling with wild weather, including heavy rain, road closures, and landslides. ## Latest Update Wild weather has struck the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, closing roads and causing slips. Businesses on Whakakake St have been recommended to evacuate due to a slip hitting a building in Minden. ## Timeline * **2026-02-25:** A tropical low is causing significant flooding in Western Queensland, isolating towns and disrupting supply routes. * **2026-02-25:** The same tropical low is expected to bring drought relief to south-eastern Australia but also increases the risk of flash flooding and severe thunderstorms. * **2026-02-26:** A severe thunderstorm watch is issued for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua regions of New Zealand, warning of localized heavy rain and potential flooding. * **2026-03-26:** Wild weather, including heavy rain and landslides, strikes the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, leading to road closures and evacuations. ## What to Watch * Monitor weather forecasts and heed warnings for both Australia and New Zealand, particularly regarding flash flooding and severe thunderstorms. * Track the progress of floodwaters in Queensland and potential impacts on infrastructure and supply chains. * Assess potential impacts on agriculture and water resources as the tropical low moves south in Australia.