Major Flood Warning Issued for Flinders River: Richmond and Walkers Bend Face Rising Waters

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20878) for the Flinders River. This warning, issued at 5:54 am AEST on Monday, March 9, 2026, indicates that renewed river level rises are occurring due to rainfall recorded since Saturday.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following geographic regions in Queensland:

• Flinders River at Richmond Post Office: Major flooding is possible by Monday afternoon.
• Flinders River at Walkers Bend: Major flooding is currently occurring and is expected to persist.
• Flinders River downstream of Richmond: Elevated river levels and major flooding continue.
• Flinders River to Richmond: Major flooding may occur along the upper reaches.

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; it is dangerous and unpredictable.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

• Richmond Post Office: The river level is expected to rise and may reach the major flood level of 8.00 meters on Monday afternoon. Further rises are possible with additional forecast rainfall.
• Walkers Bend: The river is currently at 10.07 meters and steady, well above the major flood level of 8.00 meters.
• Rainfall: Further rainfall is forecast for Monday, which may lead to additional river level rises across the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments.

Timeline

• Richmond: Major flooding is anticipated to begin Monday afternoon, March 9.
• Walkers Bend: Major flooding is expected to continue into next week as floodwaters arrive from the major peak observed at Richmond in February.
• Next Update: The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next warning by 3:00 PM AEST on Monday, March 9, 2026.