Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Flood Warning For The Nicholson And Leichhardt Rivers
Issued at 12:52 PM AEST on Wednesday 31 December 2025
Flood Warning Number: 4

FLOODING OCCURRING ALONG THE NICHOLSON AND LEICHHARDT RIVERS
Recent widespread heavy rainfall has caused rises in river and creek levels across the Nicholson and Leichhardt catchments, with minor to major flooding occurring. The main flood peak along the Nicholson River is currently approaching Escott Station. Along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip, river levels are expected to be elevated and to continue rising over the next few days. The river level at Burketown Airstrip may peak later this week.
Along the Leichhardt River at Lorraine, levels peaked near 16.25m on Tuesday, resulting in major flooding. The main flood peak along the Leichhardt River is now approaching Floraville, where river levels are elevated and are expected to continue rising over the next few days.
Further areas of rainfall are forecast to continue over the next few days. This may lead to additional river and creek level rises.

Nicholson and Gregory Rivers:
Moderate flooding is continuing along the Nicholson River at Escott Station. Minor flooding is occurring along the Gregory River at Gregory Downs.
No observations are currently available for the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip.
River levels along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip are expected to be elevated and continuing to rising over the next few days. The river level may peak later this week.

Leichhardt River:
Major flooding is continuing along the Leichhardt River at Lorraine and moderate flooding is occurring at Floraville with river levels continuing to rise.

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 03:00 PM AEST on Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Latest River Heights:
Gregory River at Riversleigh,2.24,falling,12:00 pm Wed 31/12/25
Gregory River at Gregory Downs,7.01,falling,12:15 pm Wed 31/12/25
Nicholson River at Escott Station,9.60,rising,9:00 am Wed 31/12/25
Burketown Tide,4.37,steady,12:33 pm Wed 31/12/25
Leichhardt River at Doughboy Ck,2.98,steady,12:00 pm Wed 31/12/25
Leichhardt River at Julius Dam,0.56,steady,12:00 pm Wed 31/12/25
Leichhardt River at Miranda Creek,4.25,falling,12:00 pm Wed 31/12/25
Gunpowder Creek at Gunpowder,2.32,steady,12:00 pm Wed 31/12/25
Leichhardt River at Lorraine,16.00,falling,6:00 am Wed 31/12/25
Leichhardt River at Floraville,7.00,rising,12:00 pm Wed 31/12/25

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.