Minor Flood Warning Issued for Don River and Bowen Pump Station in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an Initial Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20750) for the Don River. The alert was issued at 9:49 am AEST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following significant rainfall across the catchment area.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Don River catchment in Queensland. Key locations under observation include:

• Don River at Bowen Pump Station
• Don River at Mount Dangar
• Don River at Ida Creek
• Don River at Reeves

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are urged to follow these safety guidelines:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is extremely dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan routes to avoid flooded areas.
• Stay informed by monitoring the ABC, local media, or visiting www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Moderate to heavy rainfall totals observed overnight Monday into Tuesday have resulted in river level rises in the upper part of the Don River catchment. Further moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the next few days, which may lead to additional rises.

As of 6:46 am Tuesday, the Don River at Bowen Pump Station was recorded at 1.45 meters and steady. This is currently below the minor flood level of 2.50 meters; however, the river is forecast to reach that level starting Tuesday afternoon.

Latest river height observations as of Tuesday morning:

• Mount Dangar: 2.30 m (Rising)
• Reeves: 2.02 m (Steady)
• Ida Creek: 1.67 m (Falling)
• Bowen Tide: 3.55 m (Rising)

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately. Minor flooding is anticipated at the Bowen Pump Station beginning Tuesday afternoon, February 17, 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update regarding this situation by 12:00 PM AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.