Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Flinders River
Issued at 03:27 PM AEST on Friday 02 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 16

NEAR MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT RICHMOND FROM FRIDAY EVENING
MAJOR FLOODING CONTINUES TO RISE AT WALKERS BEND
Recent rainfall has caused river and creek level rises and flooding across the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments. Further areas of moderate to heavy rainfall are forecast to affect parts of the catchments over the next few days, with the heaviest rainfall likely over the Flinders catchment. River and creek level rises are likely to continue.
Moderate flooding is expected to be occurring at Richmond, with rises close to the major flood level possible from Friday evening. Minor flooding has eased at Cloncurry. Downstream, major flooding at Walkers Bend is expected to continue rising well into next week as upstream floodwaters continue to arrive.

Flinders River to Richmond:
Major flooding is possible along the Flinders River to Richmond.
No observations are currently available for the Flinders River at Richmond Post Office. Based on the nearby automatic gauge, the river level is expected to be above the moderate flood level (6.00 m) and rising.
The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office may reach close to the major flood level (8.00 m) from Friday evening. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

Flinders River downstream of Richmond:
Major flooding is occurring along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is currently at 12.72 m and rising, with major flooding.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) well into next week, with rises continuing as upstream flows arrive.

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 10:00 AM AEST on Saturday 03 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.09,steady,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,2.65,falling,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Flinders River at Punchbowl,6.71,steady,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Flinders River at Etta Plains,11.31,steady,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Julia Creek,3.92,steady,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,8.90,steady,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,2.20,steady,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Cloncurry River at Canobie,11.35,steady,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Flinders River at Flinders Cloncurry Junction,11.90,steady,3:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Flinders River at Walkers Bend,12.72,rising,2:00 pm Fri 02/01/26

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.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Flood Warning For The Nicholson And Leichhardt Rivers
Issued at 01:17 PM AEST on Friday 02 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 6

FLOODING OCCURRING ALONG THE NICHOLSON AND LEICHHARDT RIVERS
Widespread heavy rainfall over the last week has caused rises in river and creek levels across the Nicholson and Leichhardt catchments, with moderate to major flooding occurring.
The main flood peak along the Nicholson River is currently around Escott Station, where moderate flooding is occurring. Along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip, river levels are expected to be elevated with flooding occurring. The river level at Burketown Airstrip is likely to continue rising into the weekend.
Along the Leichhardt River at Lorraine, levels peaked earlier in the week above the major flood level. The flood peak is now approaching Floraville where major flooding is occurring.
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 has eased 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 continue to rise into the weekend. The river level may peak later this weekend.

Leichhardt River:
Flooding continues along the Leichhardt River at Lorraine and major flooding is occurring at Floraville.

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 02:00 PM AEST on Saturday 03 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Gregory River at Riversleigh,1.97,steady,12:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Gregory River at Gregory Downs,3.40,falling,12:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Nicholson River at Escott Station,9.95,steady,12:00 pm Thu 01/01/26
Burketown Tide,4.55,steady,12:33 pm Fri 02/01/26
Leichhardt River at Doughboy Ck,1.97,steady,12:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Leichhardt River at Julius Dam,0.25,steady,1:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Leichhardt River at Miranda Creek,2.99,falling,12:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Gunpowder Creek at Gunpowder,2.30,falling,12:00 pm Fri 02/01/26
Leichhardt River at Lorraine,13.70,falling,8:30 am Thu 01/01/26
Leichhardt River at Floraville,8.07,steady,12:00 pm Fri 02/01/26

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.