Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Flood Warning For The Nicholson River
Issued at 12:59 PM AEST on Thursday 08 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 12

FLOODING CONTINUING ALONG THE NICHOLSON RIVER
Widespread heavy rainfall in late December and early January has caused river and creek level rises and areas of flooding across the Nicholson and Leichhardt catchments.
River levels along the Nicholson River and along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip are expected to remain elevated for the next few days.
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 is no longer occurring along the Gregory River at Gregory Downs.
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.

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 Friday 09 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Gregory River at Riversleigh,1.57,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Gregory River at Gregory Downs,2.29,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Nicholson River at Escott Station,6.90,falling,12:30 pm Thu 08/01/26
Burketown Tide,3.32,falling,12:33 pm Thu 08/01/26
Leichhardt River at Doughboy Ck,1.32,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Leichhardt River at Julius Dam,0.06,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Leichhardt River at Miranda Creek,2.34,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Gunpowder Creek at Gunpowder,1.37,steady,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26
Leichhardt River at Lorraine,5.80,falling,6:30 am Tue 06/01/26
Leichhardt River at Floraville,2.92,falling,12:00 pm Thu 08/01/26

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 10:42 AM AEST on Thursday 08 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 27

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 the 2019 levels.
Along the Flinders River at Richmond river levels are estimated to be falling 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, which may cause renewed river level rises during the weekend and into next week. This situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as required.

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 rapidly.
The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office may fall below the moderate flood level (6.00 m) during Thursday. With forecast rainfall renewed river level rises are possible in coming 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 15.65 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 Friday 09 January 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.08,steady,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,1.81,steady,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Flinders River at Punchbowl,7.66,falling,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Flinders River at Etta Plains,10.81,steady,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Julia Creek,2.20,steady,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,7.84,steady,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,1.49,steady,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Cloncurry River at Canobie,9.32,steady,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26
Flinders River at Flinders Cloncurry Junction,12.36,steady,12:00 pm Sat 03/01/26
Flinders River at Walkers Bend,15.61,falling,10:00 am Thu 08/01/26

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.