Minor Flood Warning Issued for Dawson River Affecting Taroom and Baralaba

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20765) for the Dawson River. This is the fifth flood warning issued for this event, following moderate to heavy rainfall across the catchment over the previous several days.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Dawson River catchment, specifically focusing on:

• Dawson River at Taroom
• Dawson River at Baralaba
• Dawson River downstream of Theodore
• Dawson River to Theodore

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.
• Stay informed by checking the ABC and local media for updates.
• For local emergency management advice, visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

While no significant rainfall has been recorded in the past 24 hours, floodwaters continue to move downstream.

• Taroom: The river is currently at 4.33 meters and falling, but is expected to reach the minor flood level of 4.50 meters overnight Wednesday into Thursday.
• Baralaba: River levels are estimated to be above the minor flood level of 4.00 meters and rising. The river is expected to remain above this level for the next few days as upstream flows arrive.
• Theodore Weir: The river was recorded at 6.89 meters and steady as of 12:48 pm Wednesday.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:19 pm AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Renewed minor flooding is expected to develop at Taroom from overnight Wednesday into Thursday. The Dawson River at Baralaba is expected to remain elevated for several days. The next official update is scheduled to be issued by 2:00 pm AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.