Minor Flood Warning Issued for Paroo River and Willara Crossing in New South Wales

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDN36632) for the Paroo River in New South Wales. This is the third flood warning issued for this event, as floodwaters arrive from the Paroo River catchment in Queensland.

Affected Areas

The primary area of concern is the Paroo River at Willara Crossing in New South Wales. Recent rainfall across the Paroo catchment has resulted in river level rises and minor flooding along the river in Queensland, which is now moving downstream into NSW.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected area are advised to take the following 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.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the NSW SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

As of 10:30 am AEDT on Friday, February 20, the Paroo River at Willara Crossing was recorded at 0.75 meters and rising. Minor flooding is currently occurring. The river is forecast to peak near 1.00 meter on Saturday morning. Renewed river level rises remain possible as upstream flows continue to arrive from the Queensland border.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:56 am AEDT on Friday, February 20, 2026. The minor flood peak at Willara Crossing is expected Saturday morning, February 21. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 11:00 am AEDT on Saturday, February 21.