Major Flood Warning Issued for Herbert River: Halifax and Ingham on High Alert

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20725) for the Herbert River. The warning, issued at 11:28 am AEST on Monday, March 2, 2026, follows heavy rainfall overnight Sunday into Monday that has resulted in rapid river level rises across the lower Herbert River catchment.

Affected Areas

Specific geographic regions and stations under threat include:

• Halifax: Major flooding likely.
• Abergowrie Bridge: Moderate flooding possible.
• Ingham Pump Station and Gairloch: Moderate flooding possible.
• Gleneagle Homestead: Minor flooding possible in the upper catchment.
• Herbert River downstream of Nash’s Crossing: Moderate to major flooding likely.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning areas should 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 ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall has been concentrated around Abergowrie, leading to the following observations and forecasts:

• Halifax: Currently at 4.71 m and rising; likely to exceed the major flood level of 5.00 m late Monday morning.
• Abergowrie Bridge: Currently at 9.97 m and rising; expected to reach the moderate flood level of 10.00 m late Monday morning.
• Ingham Pump Station: Currently at 10.19 m and rising; expected to reach the moderate flood level of 11.00 m Monday afternoon.
• Gairloch: Currently at 9.54 m and rising; expected to reach the moderate flood level of 10.50 m Monday afternoon.
• Gleneagle Homestead: Estimated to reach the minor flood level of 4.50 m Monday afternoon.

Further showers and storms are forecast for the remainder of Monday, which may lead to additional river level rises.

Timeline

The alert is currently in effect. Major flooding is expected at Halifax starting late Monday morning. Moderate flooding is anticipated at Abergowrie Bridge from late Monday morning, and at Ingham and Gairloch starting Monday afternoon. Minor flooding at Gleneagle is expected by Monday afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor the situation closely.