Major Flood Warning Issued for Western River at Winton and Diamantina River Catchment

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20865) for the Western River and Diamantina River catchment. The warning, issued at 12:09 pm AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, indicates that major flooding is possible at Winton starting Thursday following heavy rainfall observed across the eastern part of the Western River catchment over the weekend.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key geographic regions and infrastructure points in Western Queensland, including:

• Western River: Winton and Oondooroo.
• Diamantina River: Diamantina Lakes, Birdsville, and Roseberth.
• Key Infrastructure: The Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway is currently impacted by rising water levels.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning areas are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous and unpredictable.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Monitor local media and visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

• Western River at Winton: Currently at 2.50 meters and steady with moderate flooding. It is forecast to reach the major flood level of 3.50 meters during Thursday. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall and upstream flows.
• Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes: Currently at 3.86 meters and rising. This is above the minor flood level (2.00 m) and the level of the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 m).
• Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station: Currently at 3.65 meters and steady, peaking just below the minor flood level of 4.00 meters.
• Mills Creek at Oondooroo: Currently at 4.34 meters and falling with minor flooding.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Major flooding is expected to manifest at Winton on Thursday, February 19. Areas of showers and additional rainfall are possible over the catchment for the next few days, which may cause further river level rises. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 12:00 PM AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.