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 09:53 AM AEST on Friday 27 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 17

MAJOR FLOODING EXPECTED TO BE CONTINUING AT RICHMOND POST OFFICE
MAJOR FLOODING LIKELY AT WALKERS BEND FROM SUNDAY
MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT CLONCURRY OVERNIGHT FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY
Moderate rainfall during the last few weeks over the upper Flinders catchment has caused persistent major flooding in the upper Flinders River. Major flooding is expected to be continuing along the Flinders River at Richmond Post Office, where river levels may remain around the major flood level for the remainder of Friday.
The main flood peak along the Flinders River continues to approach Etta Plains. The flood peak along the Cloncurry River is around Canobie, upstream of the junction with the Flinders River.
River levels are rising along the lower Flinders River at Walkers Bend, where major flooding is likely from around Sunday as flood waters from both the Cloncurry and Flinders rivers arrive.
Renewed river level rises are occurring along the upper Cloncurry River, with minor flooding possible at Cloncurry overnight Friday into Saturday.

Flinders River to Richmond:
Major flooding is expected to be continuing along the Flinders River at 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 near the major flood level (8.00 m) and steady.
The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office may remain around the major flood level (8.00 m) during the remainder of Friday.

Flinders River downstream of Richmond:
Elevated river levels are occurring along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond. Major flooding is likely at Walkers Bend.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is currently at 5.77 m and steady, with moderate flooding.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is likely to exceed the major flood level (8.00 m) from Sunday. Further rises are likely as upstream flows arrive. Forecasts will be updated as upstream peaks are observed.

Cloncurry River:
Minor flooding is possible along the Cloncurry River.
The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry is currently at 2.69 m and rising, below the minor flood level.
The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry may reach around the minor flood level (3.00 m) overnight Friday into Saturday.

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 Saturday 28 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.18,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26
Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,1.85,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26
Flinders River at Punchbowl,6.76,falling,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26
Flinders River at Etta Plains,9.58,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26
Julia Creek,2.35,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26
Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,7.39,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26
Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,2.69,rising,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26
Cloncurry River at Canobie,7.81,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26
Flinders River at Walkers Bend,5.77,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26

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.