Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Flinders River And Minor Flood Warning For The Cloncurry River
Issued at 04:29 PM AEST on Monday 05 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 23

MAJOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT RICHMOND AND WALKERS BEND, MINOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT CLONCURRY
Recent heavy rainfall has caused river and creek level rises and flooding across the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments. Rainfall has eased across the catchments, however there is the potential for further moderate to heavy rainfall from later in the week. Multiple peaks are moving through the catchments so further renewed river rises are expected over the coming days, with some river levels reaching just below the 2019 level.
Major flooding is estimated to be occurring along the Flinders River at Richmond. Downstream, along the Flinders River, an initial flood peak is passing through Etta Plains. Along the Cloncurry River, a flood peak has passed through Canobie. These flood peaks are travelling down the Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers towards the Flinders Cloncurry Junction.
Downstream of the Flinders Cloncurry Junction major flooding is occurring at Walkers Bend and with further rises expected well into next week as upstream flood waters arrive, where the river may reach just below the 2019 level.

Flinders River to Richmond:
Major 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, the river level is expected to be around the major flood level (8.00 m) and steady.
The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office is likely to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) for the next few days.

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 16.12 m and rising, with major flooding.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) for the remainder of the week. As upstream flood waters arrive, the river may reach just below the 2019 level.

Cloncurry River:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Cloncurry River at Cloncurry.
The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry is currently at 3.15 m and falling, with minor flooding.
The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry may remain around the minor flood level (3.00 m) into Tuesday.

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 Tuesday 06 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,2.45,falling,3:20 pm Mon 05/01/26
Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,2.41,falling,3:00 pm Mon 05/01/26
Flinders River at Punchbowl,7.42,steady,3:00 pm Mon 05/01/26
Flinders River at Etta Plains,11.13,steady,3:00 pm Mon 05/01/26
Julia Creek,3.67,falling,3:00 pm Mon 05/01/26
Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,8.11,steady,3:00 pm Mon 05/01/26
Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,3.15,falling,3:00 pm Mon 05/01/26
Cloncurry River at Canobie,9.98,steady,3:00 pm Mon 05/01/26
Flinders River at Flinders Cloncurry Junction,12.36,steady,12:00 pm Sat 03/01/26
Flinders River at Walkers Bend,16.12,rising,3:00 pm Mon 05/01/26

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.