Minor Flood Warning Issued for Burrum and Cherwell Rivers in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an Initial Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20785) for the Burrum and Cherwell Rivers. The alert was issued at 3:26 pm AEST on Saturday, March 7, 2026, following forecasts of significant rainfall in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Burrum and Cherwell River catchments. Key locations at risk include:

• Howard (Burrum River)
• Pacific Haven (Cherwell River)
• Surrounding river and creek systems in Queensland (QLD)

What You Should Do

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

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

Expected Conditions

Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast across the catchments from overnight Saturday through to Monday. This rainfall is expected to cause river and creek level rises.

• Burrum River at Howard: Currently at 4.86 m and steady. It is forecast to potentially exceed the minor flood level of 6.00 m on Sunday afternoon.
• Cherwell River at Pacific Haven: Currently at 0.34 m and falling. It is forecast to potentially exceed the minor flood level of 2.50 m on Sunday afternoon.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately. Minor flooding is anticipated to begin Sunday afternoon, March 8, 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 12:00 PM AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026.