Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Upper Balonne River
Issued at 11:30 AM AEST on Wednesday 18 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 12

MAJOR FLOODING EASING AT WARKON AND SURAT, MINOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT WARROO
The flood peak along the Upper Balonne is around Weribone, where a major flood peak is occurring. This peak will approach Warroo, where minor flooding is occurring and a minor peak is expected around Thursday evening. Upstream at Warkon and Surat, major flooding continues to ease after peaks over last weekend and earlier this week.
No significant rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next several days.

Balonne River to Surat:
Major flooding is easing along the Balonne River to Surat.
The Balonne River at Warkon is currently at 9.52 m and falling, with major flooding.
The Balonne River at Warkon may fall below the major flood level (9.00 m) overnight Wednesday into Thursday. The river level then may fall below the moderate flood level (8.00 m) during Thursday, then may fall below the minor flood level (7.00 m) overnight Thursday into Friday.

No observations are currently available for the Balonne River at Surat. Based on the nearby automatic gauge, the river level is estimated to be above the major flood level (9.00 m) and falling after a peak of around 10.5 m during Monday afternoon.
The Balonne River at Surat may fall below the major flood level (9.00 m) overnight Thursday into Friday.

Balonne River downstream of Surat to Beardmore Dam:
Minor to major flooding is occurring along the Balonne River downstream of Surat to Beardmore Dam. Major flooding is occurring at Weribone.
The Balonne River at Warroo is currently at 9.33 m and rising, above the minor flood level (9.00 m).
The Balonne River at Warroo may peak near 9.80 m around Thursday evening, with minor flooding.

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 01:00 PM AEST on Thursday 19 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Dogwood Creek at Miles,3.74,steady,7:08 am Wed 18/03/26
Balonne River at Warkon,9.52,falling,10:17 am Wed 18/03/26
Bungil Creek at Tabers,0.71,steady,10:00 am Wed 18/03/26
Bungil Creek at Roma,0.72,steady,11:00 am Wed 18/03/26
Balonne River at Surat TM,9.86,steady,10:15 am Wed 18/03/26
Balonne River at Weribone,11.00,steady,10:00 am Wed 18/03/26
Balonne River at Warroo,9.33,rising,10:48 am Wed 18/03/26
Maranoa River at Springfield,0.74,steady,9:00 am Wed 18/03/26
Maranoa River at Woodlands,1.95,steady,9:00 am Wed 18/03/26
Maranoa River at Old Cashmere,1.91,steady,10:00 am Wed 18/03/26
Balonne River at Beardmore Dam,0.04,steady,10:00 am Wed 18/03/26

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.