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

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning for the Lower Flinders River and a Minor Flood Warning for the Upper Flinders River. This update (Warning Number 25) was issued at 10:19 am AEST on Saturday, March 7, 2026, as river levels continue to rise due to arriving floodwaters and forecast rainfall.

Affected Areas

The primary impact zones include:

• Lower Flinders River: Specifically at Walkers Bend and areas downstream of Richmond.
• Upper Flinders River: Including the Flinders River to Richmond and the Richmond Post Office area.
• Tributaries: The Cloncurry River and other local waterways in the catchment.
• Broader Region: A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is also in effect for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields, Upper Flinders, and North West Forecast Districts.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

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

Expected Conditions

• Walkers Bend: The river level is currently at 8.89 meters and steady, well above the major flood level of 8.00 meters. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.
• Richmond Post Office: While currently below the minor flood level, the river is expected to exceed the 5.00-meter minor flood threshold starting Sunday.
• General Weather: Showers and thunderstorms are forecast throughout the weekend and into next week. Heavy rainfall is possible, which may trigger further river level rises across the catchment.

Timeline

• Walkers Bend: Major flooding is expected to continue into next week.
• Richmond: Minor flooding may occur starting Sunday, March 8, 2026.
• Next Update: The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next warning by 11:00 AM AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026.