Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Flood Warning For The Nicholson River
Issued at 01:32 PM AEST on Wednesday 07 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 11

FLOODING CONTINUING ALONG THE NICHOLSON RIVER
FLOODING HAS EASED ALONG THE LEICHHARDT RIVER
Widespread heavy rainfall in late December has caused river and creek level rises and areas of flooding across the Nicholson and Leichhardt catchments. Additional rainfall over the weekend has kept river levels elevated.
River levels along the Nicholson River are expected to remain elevated.
Along the Albert River, river levels at Burketown Airstrip are expected to be elevated for the next few days.
River levels have eased along the Leichhardt River.
Showers and thunderstorms are possible over the next few days, however further heavy rainfall is not expected for the remainder of the week. Heavy rainfall may redevelop from next week, with a low forecast to move over northern Queensland. This may result in renewed river level rises and flooding. This situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as required.

Nicholson and Gregory Rivers:
River levels along the Nicholson River at Escott Station and Gregory River at Gregory Downs are expected to be elevated. Minor flooding along the Gregory River at Gregory Downs has eased.
No observations are currently available for the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip.
River levels along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip are expected to be elevated for the next few days.

Leichhardt River:
River levels have eased along the Leichhardt River.

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 02:00 PM AEST on Thursday 08 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Gregory River at Riversleigh,1.65,steady,1:00 pm Wed 07/01/26
Gregory River at Gregory Downs,2.82,falling,1:00 pm Wed 07/01/26
Burketown Tide,3.70,falling,1:06 pm Wed 07/01/26
Leichhardt River at Doughboy Ck,1.45,falling,1:00 pm Wed 07/01/26
Leichhardt River at Julius Dam,0.10,steady,1:00 pm Wed 07/01/26
Leichhardt River at Miranda Creek,2.44,steady,1:00 pm Wed 07/01/26
Gunpowder Creek at Gunpowder,1.45,steady,1:00 pm Wed 07/01/26
Leichhardt River at Lorraine,5.80,falling,6:30 am Tue 06/01/26
Leichhardt River at Floraville,3.52,falling,1:00 pm Wed 07/01/26

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
Issued at 10:20 AM AEST on Wednesday 07 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 26

MAJOR FLOODING CONTINUES AT WALKERS BEND
MODERATE FLOODING OCCURRING AT RICHMOND
Recent heavy rainfall has caused river and creek level rises and flooding across the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments. Multiple peaks are currently moving downstream, with some river level peaks observed just below 2019 levels.
Along the Flinders River at Richmond river levels are estimated to be falling slowly with moderate flooding. Downstream, inflows from multiple tributaries are causing major flooding at Walkers Bend, where river levels are slowly falling.
Moderate to heavy rainfall may redevelop from late this week, resulting in renewed river level rises during the weekend and into next week.

Flinders River to Richmond:
Moderate flooding is occurring 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 expected to be above the moderate flood level (6.00 m) and falling slowly.
The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office is likely to remain above the moderate flood level (6.00 m) for the next few days.

Flinders River downstream of Richmond:
Major flooding is occurring along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is currently at 15.97 m and falling, with major flooding.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) until at least early 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 11:00 AM AEST on Thursday 08 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.25,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26
Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,1.90,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26
Flinders River at Punchbowl,7.68,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26
Flinders River at Etta Plains,10.64,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26
Julia Creek,2.49,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26
Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,7.98,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26
Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,1.64,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26
Cloncurry River at Canobie,9.52,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26
Flinders River at Flinders Cloncurry Junction,12.36,steady,12:00 pm Sat 03/01/26
Flinders River at Walkers Bend,15.97,falling,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26

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.