Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Flinders River And Moderate Flood Warning For The Cloncurry River
Issued at 07:03 AM AEST on Monday 29 December 2025
Flood Warning Number: 7

MAJOR FLOODING LIKELY AT WALKERS BEND MONDAY MORNING WITH FURTHER RISES POSSIBLE
MODERATE FLOODING OCCURRING AT RICHMOND POST OFFICE WITH FURTHER RISES POSSIBLE
MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT CLONCURRY FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON, WITH MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE FROM MID-WEEK
Rainfall in the last few days has caused river and creek level rises across the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments. Significant widespread heavy rainfall is forecast to continue for the next few days, with strong river and creek level rises expected across the region.
Moderate flooding is expected to be occurring at Richmond Post Office. Downstream, moderate flooding is occurring at Walkers Bend, with major flooding likely from Monday morning. Further rises are possible across the catchment with forecast rainfall.
Minor flooding is possible at Cloncurry from Monday afternoon, with further rises to the moderate flood level possible from mid-week with forecast rainfall.
The situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of North-Western Queensland and North Tropical Coast.

Flinders River to Richmond:
Moderate flooding is occurring 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, river levels are expected to be around the moderate flood level (6.00 m) and rising.
The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office is expected to remain above the moderate flood level (6.00 m). Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

Flinders River downstream of Richmond:
Moderate flooding is occurring along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond. Major flooding is likely at Walkers Bend.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is currently at 7.71 m and rising, with moderate flooding.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is likely to reach the major flood level (8.00 m) from Monday morning. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

Cloncurry River:
Moderate flooding may occur along the Cloncurry River.
The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry is currently at 2.28 m and rising, below the minor flood level.
The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry may exceed the minor flood level (3.00 m) Monday afternoon. The river may reach around the moderate flood level (5.00 m) from mid-week with forecast rainfall.

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 06:00 PM AEST on Monday 29 December 2025.

Latest River Heights:
Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.33,steady,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,1.83,steady,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Flinders River at Punchbowl,4.47,rising,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Flinders River at Etta Plains,4.83,rising,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Julia Creek,3.42,rising,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,7.33,rising,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,2.28,rising,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Cloncurry River at Canobie,8.70,rising,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Flinders River at Flinders Cloncurry Junction,7.93,rising,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25
Flinders River at Walkers Bend,7.71,rising,6:00 am Mon 29/12/25

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.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall

for Gulf Country, North West and parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:39 am Monday, 29 December 2025.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL RISK CONTINUES FOR NORTHWESTERN QUEENSLAND AND THE NORTHEAST TROPICAL COAST TODAY.

Weather Situation
A monsoon trough extends across the northwest and contains an embedded low pressure system located southeast of Burketown. This low is expected to continue strengthening as it gradually tracks south to southeast. Over the Northeast Tropical Coast, enhanced onshore winds are forecast to strengthen and converge today. Together, these systems are likely to generate widespread heavy rainfall across parts of northern Queensland.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas:
Gulf Country, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, North West and Central West
For NORTHWEST QUEENSLAND: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 75 to 120 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 180 mm.
Areas of heavy rainfall about northwest Queensland are forecast to persist into early next week, with locations and rainfall totals subject to the position and strength of the low pressure system. These conditions also present a risk to cattle and other livestock.
For NORTHEAST TROPICAL COAST: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop for areas between Cairns and north of Townsville today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 120 to 200 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 260 mm.
A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.
Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Burketown, Mornington Island, Normanton, Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, Doomadgee, Richmond, Julia Creek, Camooweal, Ingham and Croydon.
Significant rainfall observations to 4:00 am:
117 mm was recorded at Oakland Park (near Croydon) in the 6 hours to 1:57 am.
196 mm was recorded at South Mission Beach in the 6 hours to 8:13 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Monday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall

for Gulf Country, North West and parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:39 am Monday, 29 December 2025.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL RISK CONTINUES FOR NORTHWESTERN QUEENSLAND AND THE NORTHEAST TROPICAL COAST TODAY.

Weather Situation
A monsoon trough extends across the northwest and contains an embedded low pressure system located southeast of Burketown. This low is expected to continue strengthening as it gradually tracks south to southeast. Over the Northeast Tropical Coast, enhanced onshore winds are forecast to strengthen and converge today. Together, these systems are likely to generate widespread heavy rainfall across parts of northern Queensland.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas:
Gulf Country, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, North West and Central West
For NORTHWEST QUEENSLAND: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 75 to 120 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 180 mm.
Areas of heavy rainfall about northwest Queensland are forecast to persist into early next week, with locations and rainfall totals subject to the position and strength of the low pressure system. These conditions also present a risk to cattle and other livestock.
For NORTHEAST TROPICAL COAST: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop for areas between Cairns and north of Townsville today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 120 to 200 mm are likely. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 260 mm.
A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.
Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current for Northern Queensland. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Burketown, Mornington Island, Normanton, Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, Doomadgee, Richmond, Julia Creek, Camooweal, Ingham and Croydon.
Significant rainfall observations to 4:00 am:
117 mm was recorded at Oakland Park (near Croydon) in the 6 hours to 1:57 am.
196 mm was recorded at South Mission Beach in the 6 hours to 8:13 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Monday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Moderate Flood Warning For The Western River And Flood Warning For The Diamantina River
Issued at 01:15 PM AEST on Sunday 28 December 2025
Flood Warning Number: 4

MODERATE FLOODING IS POSSIBLE AT WINTON FROM SUNDAY EVENING
DIAMANTINA RIVER LEVELS ARE ABOVE THE SPRINGVALE DIAMANTINA LAKES CAUSEWAY AND LIKELY TO REMAIN SO INTO NEXT WEEK
Recent rainfall has caused river level rises and flooding across the catchment.
Flooding is occurring along the Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes, where river levels are above the causeway and are expected to continue rising over the coming days. Minor flooding is likely occurring at Winton during Sunday afternoon, with the possibility of moderate flooding from Sunday evening with forecast rainfall.
Further rainfall is forecast across the upper catchment over the next few days, which is likely to cause renewed or further river level rises. This situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as necessary.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of North-Western Queensland and North Tropical Coast.

Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes:
The Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes is at 3.57 m and steady, above the level of the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 m). The river level is expected to remain above the level of the causeway into next week.
Western River:
Moderate flooding is possible along the Western River.
There are no current observations for the Western River at Winton, however, based on upstream locations it is likely that the river level at Winton is above the minor flood level (1.50 m) and rising.
The Western River at Winton may exceed the moderate flood level (2.00 m) Sunday evening. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

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 Monday 29 December 2025.

Latest River Heights:
Mills Creek at Oondooroo,3.24,falling,12:00 pm Sun 28/12/25
Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes Tm,3.57,steady,12:00 pm Sun 28/12/25
Diamantina River at Birdsville,0.78,steady,12:10 pm Sun 28/12/25

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.