Minor Flood Warning Issued for Paroo River at Wanaaring and Willara Crossing

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 ninth flood warning issued for this specific weather event, indicating ongoing minor flooding in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Paroo River catchment in New South Wales, with particular focus on the following locations:

• Willara Crossing
• Wanaaring

What You Should Do

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

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For local emergency management advice, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au. For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Local heavy rainfall across the Paroo River catchment has caused significant river level rises. The following conditions are currently observed or forecast:

• Willara Crossing: The river is currently at 1.27 meters and rising. It is likely to reach 1.50 meters around Friday, maintaining minor flood levels.
• Wanaaring: The river is currently at 2.36 meters and rising. It is expected to exceed the minor flood level of 2.40 meters on Wednesday evening, with potential further rises to 2.60 meters as upstream flows arrive.
• Catchment Forecast: Further heavy rainfall is forecast across the catchment over the next few days, which may lead to additional river level rises.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 4:59 pm AEDT on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Minor flooding is expected to commence at Wanaaring on Wednesday evening and continue at Willara Crossing through at least Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 3:00 PM AEDT on Thursday, 26 February 2026.