Major Flood Warning Issued for Thomson River and Cooper Creek in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20860) for the Thomson River and Cooper Creek, alongside a Moderate Flood Warning for the Barcoo River. This update was issued at 1:55 pm AEST on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts several regions across Queensland, specifically:

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

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas should monitor local conditions closely as multiple flood peaks move through the river systems. The Bureau of Meteorology indicates that peak forecasts will be refined as upstream peaks are observed. Stay informed via local emergency services and weather updates.

Expected Conditions

• Major Flooding: Possible at Jundah and Windorah over the weekend. Windorah is likely to exceed major flood levels late in the weekend and into next week.
• Moderate Flooding: Currently occurring at Camoola Park (4.60 m) and Longreach (4.91 m). Stonehenge is expected to reach the moderate flood level (3.00 m) over the weekend.
• Minor Flooding: Continuing at Retreat on the Barcoo River, with moderate flooding possible starting this weekend.
• Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rainfall recorded in the lower Cooper Creek catchment has contributed to rising levels.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately and remains active until 6:55 am on March 2, 2026. Major flooding is specifically forecast to impact Jundah and Windorah over the weekend and persist into the following week as upstream flows from the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers arrive.