Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy Rainfall And Damaging Winds

for parts of North West and Channel Country Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:53 am Sunday, 22 February 2026.

Heavy rainfall and possible damaging wind gusts over far western Queensland today and into Monday.

Weather Situation
A tropical low is located over the southeastern Northern Territory. It is expected to move slowly southward and strengthen during today. Rich tropical moisture feeding into the system brings the risk of heavy rainfall today and into Monday.
HEAVY RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
North West and Channel Country
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the North West and Channel Country. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 80 mm are likely, with localised falls of 110 mm possible.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of about 90 km/h are possible with showers and thunderstorms.
Severe weather is likely to contract to only affect far southwestern Queensland by Monday afternoon, but there remains some uncertainty around the position and strength of the system. The low may linger and affect the western Channel Country for most of the week.
These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.
Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Birdsville, Urandangi, Ballera, Orientos, Glenormiston and Bulloo Downs.

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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 5:00 pm AEST Sunday.
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 Rainfall And Damaging Winds

for parts of North West and Channel Country Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:53 am Sunday, 22 February 2026.

Heavy rainfall and possible damaging wind gusts over far western Queensland today and into Monday.

Weather Situation
A tropical low is located over the southeastern Northern Territory. It is expected to move slowly southward and strengthen during today. Rich tropical moisture feeding into the system brings the risk of heavy rainfall today and into Monday.
HEAVY RAINFALL and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas:
North West and Channel Country
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the North West and Channel Country. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 80 mm are likely, with localised falls of 110 mm possible.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of about 90 km/h are possible with showers and thunderstorms.
Severe weather is likely to contract to only affect far southwestern Queensland by Monday afternoon, but there remains some uncertainty around the position and strength of the system. The low may linger and affect the western Channel Country for most of the week.
These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.
Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Birdsville, Urandangi, Ballera, Orientos, Glenormiston and Bulloo Downs.

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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 5:00 pm AEST Sunday.
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 Georgina River And Minor Flood Warning For The Eyre Creek
Issued at 02:14 PM AEST on Saturday 21 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 37

RAPID RIVER AND CREEK LEVEL RISES AND FURTHER FLOODING POSSIBLE IN THE UPPER GEORGINA CATCHMENT
MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE AT MARION DOWNS FROM AROUND MONDAY
MINOR FLOODING EASING AT GLENGYLE
Widespread heavy rainfall, with isolated heavier falls are forecast across the Georgina River and Eyre Creek catchments for the next few days. Further creek and river level rises, localised flooding and overland inundation are likely for the remainder of weekend and into next week. These conditions are likely to affect road access and some communities will become isolated.
River level rises are occurring along the Georgina River and tributaries following rainfall over the last few days. Moderate flooding is possible along the Georgina River at Marion Downs from Monday. An earlier flood peak along the Eyre Creek has passed through Glengyle, where minor flooding is easing.
The situation is being monitored and this warning will be updated as required.
A Severe Weather Warning for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall is current for parts of Gulf Country, North West and Channel Country Forecast Districts.

Georgina River to Marion Downs:
Moderate flooding is occurring at Roxborough Downs and minor flooding is occurring at Glenormiston and Boulia. Moderate flooding is possible at Marion Downs.
The Georgina River at Marion Downs was 2.77 m at 9:00 am Saturday and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Georgina River at Marion Downs is likely to exceed the minor flood level (3.00 m) Saturday evening. The river may reach around the moderate flood level (4.00 m) during Monday. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

Georgina River downstream of Marion Downs:
River level rises are occurring along the Georgina River downstream of Marion Downs.
Eyre Creek:
Minor flooding is easing along the Eyre Creek around Glengyle.
No current creek level observations are available for the Eyre Creek at Glengyle. The creek level is estimated to be above the minor flood level (2.00 m) and falling slowly.
The Eyre Creek at Glengyle may fall below the minor flood level (2.00 m) during Sunday.

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 04:00 PM AEST on Sunday 22 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Georgina River at Roxborough Downs Tm,6.12,rising,1:00 pm Sat 21/02/26
Burke River at Boulia,3.52,steady,1:00 pm Sat 21/02/26
Georgina River at Marion Downs,2.77,steady,9:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Eyre Creek at Bedourie,3.30,steady,9:00 am Thu 19/02/26
Eyre Creek at Glengyle,2.80,steady,9:00 am Tue 17/02/26

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

Moderate Flood Warning For The Diamantina River
Issued at 11:20 AM AEST on Saturday 21 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 49

MODERATE FLOODING OCCURRING AT WINTON
Along the Western River at Winton moderate flooding is now easing slowly, following a peak Tuesday afternoon.
Along the Diamantina River, river levels are above the moderate flood level and falling at Diamantina Lakes. A below minor flood peak has passed Birdsville. However, renewed river level rises are possible from next week as upstream flood waters arrive.
Showers and storms are possible over parts of the catchment for the next few days which may cause further river level rises in some areas. This warning will be updated as required.

Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes:
The Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes is currently at 4.12 m and falling, above the moderate flood level (4.00 m) and above the level of the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 m).
Western River:
Moderate flooding is occurring along the Western River at Winton.
The Western River at Winton is currently at 2.00 m and steady, with moderate flooding.
The Western River at Winton is likely to remain around the moderate flood level (2.00 m) during Saturday into Sunday. Renewed rises are possible with forecast rainfall and upstream flows arrive.

Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes:
Minor flooding is easing at Roseberth. River level rises are occurring at Monkira and are expected further downstream as upstream flows arrive from next week.

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 12:00 PM AEST on Sunday 22 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Mills Creek at Oondooroo,3.49,falling,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Western River at Winton,2.00,steady,11:55 am Fri 20/02/26
Diamantina River at Elderslie,2.60,steady,5:55 am Sat 21/02/26
Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes Tm,4.10,steady,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Diamantina River at Roseberth Station,4.48,steady,8:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station,3.40,steady,9:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Diamantina River at Birdsville,3.89,steady,9:55 am Sat 21/02/26

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

Major Flood Warning For The Flinders River And Minor Flooding For The Cloncurry Rivers
Issued at 10:42 AM AEST on Saturday 21 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 11

MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT RICHMOND POST OFFICE SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND AT WALKERS BEND AROUND WEDNESDAY
MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT CLONCURRY FROM SATURDAY EVENING
Recent moderate rainfall over the upper Flinders catchment has caused river level rises in the upper Flinders River. Moderate flooding is estimated to be occurring along the Flinders River at Richmond Post Office, with renewed rises to the major flood level possible Saturday afternoon. River level are also rising along the Lower Flinders River, where major flooding is possible at Walkers Bend from around Wednesday.
River level rises are occurring along the Cloncurry River following recent rainfall. Minor flooding is possible at Cloncurry from Saturday evening.
Further showers and storms are forecast over the next few days, which may cause further river level rises across the catchment.

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 estimated to be above the moderate flood level and rising slowly.
The river level may reach around the major flood level (8.00 m) during Saturday afternoon as upstream flows arrive.

Flinders River downstream of Richmond:
River level rises are occurring along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond. Major flooding is possible at Walkers Bend.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is currently at 3.99 m and rising slowly, below the minor flood level.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.00 m) overnight Saturday into Sunday. The river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (5.30 m) Sunday afternoon. The river may reach around the major flood level (8.00 m) from around Wednesday. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

Cloncurry River:
Minor flooding is possible along the Cloncurry River.
The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry is currently at 2.53 m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry may reach around the minor flood level (3.00 m) from Saturday evening. Further rises are possible.

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 11:00 AM AEST on Sunday 22 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.87,rising,10:20 am Sat 21/02/26
Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,2.29,steady,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Flinders River at Punchbowl,5.81,steady,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Flinders River at Etta Plains,7.13,steady,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Julia Creek,2.08,steady,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,6.68,steady,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,2.53,falling,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Cloncurry River at Canobie,4.72,steady,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26
Flinders River at Walkers Bend,4.01,rising,10:00 am Sat 21/02/26

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.