Major Flood Warning Issued for Flinders River at Richmond and Walkers Bend

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20878) for the Flinders River. This update indicates that major flooding is possible at Richmond Post Office and minor flooding is likely at Walkers Bend.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Flinders River catchment in Queensland, specifically affecting:

• Flinders River at Richmond Post Office
• Flinders River to Richmond
• Flinders River downstream of Richmond
• Walkers Bend

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded roads.
• Stay informed by checking the ABC and local media for updates.
• For local emergency management advice, visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Recent moderate rainfall in the upper Flinders catchment has caused significant river level rises. Further showers and storms are forecast over the next few days, which may exacerbate conditions.

• Richmond Post Office: The river level is estimated to be just below the major flood level and rising slowly. It may reach the major flood level of 8.00 meters from overnight Thursday into Friday.
• Walkers Bend: The river is currently at 3.04 meters and rising. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level of 5.00 meters during the weekend as upstream flows arrive.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 10:54 AM AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Major flooding is possible at Richmond starting overnight Thursday. Minor flooding at Walkers Bend is expected over the weekend, with further rises likely into next week. The next update from the BOM is scheduled for 11:00 AM AEST on Friday, February 20, 2026.