Major Flood Warning For The Western River
18 FEBRUARY 2026 12:09 AEST
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations
Major Flood Warning For The Western River
Issued at 12:09 PM AEST on Wednesday 18 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 46
MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT WINTON FROM THURSDAY
BIRDSVILLE AROUND A PEAK JUST BELOW THE MINOR FLOOD LEVEL
Heavy rainfall has been observed across the eastern part of the Western River catchment during the weekend which has led to rapid river level rises along the upper reaches of the Western River and its tributaries. At Winton, moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is possible from Thursday, with river levels upstream at Oondooroo similar to those observed in mid-January. River levels at Oondooroo are falling with minor flooding.
River levels remain elevated along the lower Diamantina River, where river levels are around a peak at Birdsville, just below the minor flood level.
Minor flooding is occurring along the Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes.
Areas of showers and rainfall 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 3.86 m and rising, above the minor flood level (2.00 m) and above the level of the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 m).
Western River:
Moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is possible along the Western River.
No recent observations are available. The Western River at Winton was at 2.65 m around 04:10 pm Tuesday and rising, with moderate flooding.
The Western River at Winton may reach around the major flood level (3.50 m) during Thursday. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall and as upstream flows arrive.
Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes:
Minor flooding is occurring at Roseberth.
The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is currently at 3.65 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is around a peak, just below the minor flood level (4.00 m).
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 Thursday 19 February 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Mills Creek at Oondooroo,4.34,falling,11:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Western River at Winton,2.50,steady,11:55 am Wed 18/02/26
Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes Tm,3.87,steady,11:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Diamantina River at Roseberth Station,4.59,steady,6:10 am Wed 18/02/26
Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station,3.65,steady,9:00 am Wed 18/02/26
Diamantina River at Birdsville,3.95,steady,10:55 am Wed 18/02/26
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.
