Major Flood Warning Issued for Flinders River; Major Flooding Expected at Walkers Bend

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning for the Flinders River and a Final Flood Warning for the Cloncurry River. This update, Warning Number 19, was issued at 10:32 am AEST on Sunday, March 1, 2026, following persistent rainfall over the upper Flinders catchment.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the Flinders River catchment, specifically affecting Walkers Bend, Etta Plains, and regions downstream of Richmond. It also includes the Cloncurry River around Canobie, upstream of its junction with the Flinders River. Flooding has reportedly eased at the Richmond Post Office, where levels have fallen below the minor flood threshold.

What You Should Do

Residents are urged to prioritize safety: do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater. Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways. Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded areas. For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately. Local emergency management updates can be found at www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.

Expected Conditions

Major flooding is forecast for Walkers Bend as floodwaters from both the Cloncurry and Flinders rivers arrive. The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is currently at 6.35 meters and rising (moderate flood level) and is likely to exceed the major flood level of 8.00 meters. At Richmond, the river has fallen below the minor flood level of 5.00 meters and is expected to remain below that level.

Timeline

The warning is effective through 3:32 am AEST on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Major flooding is expected to begin at Walkers Bend on Tuesday or Wednesday. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 11:00 am AEST on Monday, March 2, 2026.