Major Flood Warning Issued for Thomson and Barcoo Rivers and Cooper Creek in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20860) for the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers and Cooper Creek. This update, Warning Number 60, indicates that multiple flood peaks are currently moving through the river systems following moderate to heavy rainfall recorded in the lower Cooper Creek catchment.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts several geographic regions and river systems in Queensland (QLD), specifically:

• Thomson River: Camoola Park, Longreach, Stonehenge, and Jundah.
• Barcoo River: Retreat and areas downstream of Isisford.
• Cooper Creek: Windorah (Main Channel) and the lower Cooper Creek catchment.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning areas should monitor local conditions as upstream flows continue to move through the system. The Bureau of Meteorology notes that peak forecasts will be refined as upstream peaks are observed. Residents should stay informed via official channels as river levels are expected to rise over the coming days.

Expected Conditions

• Major Flooding: Possible at Jundah (Thomson River) with levels reaching approximately 5.00 meters. Major flooding is also possible at Windorah (Cooper Creek) as upstream flows arrive.
• Moderate Flooding: Occurring at Camoola Park (4.05m and falling) and Longreach (4.89m and steady). Moderate flooding is possible at Stonehenge (estimated near 3.00m) and Retreat (currently 3.57m).
• River Rises: Further rises are likely across the catchment as flows from the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers merge into Cooper Creek.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:58 pm AEST on Monday, March 2, 2026, and is effective through March 5, 2026. Specific timing for peaks includes:

• Overnight Monday into Tuesday: Moderate flooding possible at Stonehenge and Retreat.
• Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday: Major flooding possible at Jundah and Windorah.
• Next few days: River levels at Longreach are expected to remain above the moderate flood level (4.30m).