Major Flood Warning Issued for Upper Balonne River, Major Flooding Expected at Surat

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20831) for the Upper Balonne River. This warning was issued at 12:59 pm AEST on Thursday, March 12, 2026, following recent heavy rainfall that has caused significant river level rises across the catchment.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several locations along the Balonne River and its tributaries, including:

• Balonne River: Warkon, Surat, Warroo, and downstream to the Beardmore Dam.
• Dogwood Creek: Pine Hill Crossing and Miles.
• Bungil Creek: Tabers and Roma.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to 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 travel to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

• Warkon: Major flooding is currently occurring. The river level was recorded at 10.22 meters and steady as of Thursday afternoon. It is forecast to reach approximately 10.6 meters overnight Friday into Saturday.
• Surat: Major flooding is likely to develop overnight Thursday into Friday. The river is expected to exceed the major flood level of 9.00 meters and may reach 10.0 meters during Sunday.
• Warroo: Minor flooding is possible. The river was at 3.12 meters and rising on Thursday, with the potential to exceed the minor flood level (9.00 meters) overnight Thursday into Friday.
• Dogwood Creek: Major flooding is currently easing at Pine Hill Crossing. The creek at Miles was recorded at 5.64 meters and falling as of Thursday morning.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately. Major flooding is expected to impact Surat starting overnight Thursday, March 12, with peak levels potentially reached by Sunday, March 15. No significant rainfall is forecast for the next few days. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 11:00 AM AEST on Friday, March 13, 2026.