Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Flood Warning For The Inland Rivers Sa
Issued at 01:34 PM ACDT on Friday 20 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 13

RIVER LEVEL RISES OCCURRING ALONG THE WARBURTON RIVER AT POOTHAPOOTHA
RIVER LEVEL RISES EXPECTED ALONG THE LOWER COOPER CREEK AROUND INNAMINCKA
River level rises are occurring along the Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole following rainfall earlier in the week and as upstream flood waters from the lower Diamantina River continue to arrive. Along the Diamantina River (QLD) at Birdsville, river level rises and minor flooding is occurring. These high flows are likely to continue reaching Poothapootha Waterhole in South Australia over the coming weeks.
River levels further upstream in Queensland, including the Eyre Creek and Georgina River, remain elevated, and major flooding is occurring. Further river level rises and high flows are possible along the Warburton River in the coming weeks as these floodwaters continue flowing downstream into South Australia.
Creek levels along the lower Cooper Creek around Innamincka are currently falling, however, further rises are expected as flows continue to arrive from upstream in Queensland. Moderate flooding is occurring along Cooper Creek at Windorah.
Many roads and access tracks are impacted by flooding, in particular river and creek crossings. Transportation and movement of local communities and travellers are likely to be further impacted. Check road conditions before travelling.
Queensland flood warnings are current for the Georgina River, Eyre Creek, Diamantina River, and Cooper Creek.

Warburton:
River level rises are occurring along the Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole. Further rises are possible as upstream floodwaters arrive.
Cooper Creek:
Creek levels are elevated along lower Cooper Creek at Cullyamurra Waterhole, where the creek level is around 4.30 m above the Innamincka causeway and falling. Rises are expected over the coming week as upstream flood waters arrive.

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.ses.sa.gov.au/incidents-and-warnings/incidents-and-warnings-map/.}
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 ACDT on Wednesday 25 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Diamantina River at Birdsville,5.17,steady,1:00 pm Fri 20/03/26
Cooper Creek at Cullyamurra Waterhole,5.48,falling,12:30 pm Fri 20/03/26
Cooper Creek at NW Channel Upstream Coongie Lakes,4.72,steady,12:30 pm Fri 20/03/26
Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole,5.56,rising,12:30 pm Fri 20/03/26

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.