Major Flood Warning Issued for Cooper Creek; Thomson and Barcoo Rivers Under Watch in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20860) for Cooper Creek. Additionally, a Moderate Flood Warning is in effect for the Thomson River, and a Minor Flood Warning has been issued for the Barcoo River. This update was issued at 4:13 pm AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026, and remains effective until March 11, 2026.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions and river systems are currently impacted:

• Cooper Creek: Specifically at Windorah (Main Channel).
• Thomson River: Including Camoola Park, Longreach, Stonehenge, and Jundah.
• Barcoo River: Including Blackall, Isisford, and downstream of Retreat.
• Jordan Creek: Areas near Jericho.
• Regional Centers: Barcaldine and surrounding Queensland districts.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor local river levels and stay informed as conditions change. The Bureau of Meteorology will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required. Residents should follow the advice of local emergency services and avoid driving through floodwaters.

Expected Conditions

• Cooper Creek: Near major flooding is occurring at Windorah. Further rises are expected as upstream flows from the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers arrive, with a flood peak forecast for early next week.
• Thomson River: Moderate flooding is occurring at Stonehenge and Jundah. At Camoola Park, the river is at 3.30m and may reach the moderate flood level of 4.00m by Tuesday afternoon. Longreach is currently steady at 4.18m, remaining above the minor flood level.
• Barcoo River: Flooding is currently easing near Retreat, but renewed minor flooding is possible at Blackall (estimated to reach 2.00m Monday afternoon), Jericho, and Barcaldine.
• Weather Forecast: Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the upper parts of the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers through Sunday and into Monday, which may cause renewed river rises.

Timeline

The alert was issued on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Near major flood peaks are expected to reach Windorah early next week. Moderate flooding is expected to persist in Jundah into the middle of the week. The current warning window extends through the morning of March 11, 2026.