Minor Flood Warning Issued for Dawson River Catchment in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20765) for the Dawson River. This is the sixth flood warning update for the region following moderate to heavy rainfall over recent days.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Dawson River catchment, specifically affecting:

• Dawson River at Baralaba: Minor flooding is currently occurring.
• Dawson River at Taroom: Minor flooding has eased.
• Dawson River to Theodore and downstream of Theodore: Impacted by recent river rises.
• Specific locations monitored: Utopia Downs, Tarana Crossing, Juandah Creek at Windamere, Gyranda Weir, Moura Weir, and Mimosa Creek at Karamea.

What You Should Do

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

• Safety First: Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay Clear: Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Road Safety: Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded roads.
• Stay Informed: Monitor the ABC and local media for updates. For local emergency management advice, visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.
• Emergency Contacts: For assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

While no significant rainfall has been recorded in the past 24 hours, upstream flows continue to impact river levels.

• Baralaba: The river level is estimated to be above the minor flood level of 4.00 m. Although currently falling, further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive, and levels may remain above the minor flood threshold for the next few days.
• Taroom: The river was recorded at 3.56 m and falling as of 12:00 pm Thursday, which is below the minor flood level of 4.50 m.
• Theodore Weir: The river level was steady at 7.05 m as of midday Thursday.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:17 pm AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Minor flooding at Baralaba is expected to persist for the next few days. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 2:00 pm AEST on Friday, February 20, 2026.