Minor Flood Warning Issued for Pioneer River and Mirani Following Heavy Rainfall

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an Initial Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20755) for the Pioneer River and Cattle Creek. This warning follows heavy rainfall recorded from Thursday afternoon onwards, which has triggered significant river level rises across the catchment. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is also currently in effect for the region.

Affected Areas

The primary area of concern is the Pioneer River at Mirani. Other geographic points monitoring rising levels include:

• Cattle Creek at Gargett and Finch Hatton
• Blacks Creek at Whiteford
• Pioneer River at Sarich, Marian Weir, and Dumbleton Rocks
• Teemburra Dam and Finch Hatton Creek at Gorge Road

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas 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 routes to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rain has caused river levels to rise steadily. While specific observations for the Pioneer River at Mirani are currently unavailable, estimates based on nearby gauges indicate levels are rising and may exceed the minor flood level of 6.00 meters. Further rises are possible depending on forecast rainfall. Current observations show the Pioneer River at Sarich at 5.18 meters and rising, and the Pioneer River at Dumbleton Rocks at 15.18 mAHD and rising.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 7:53 pm AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Minor flooding is anticipated to occur at Mirani early Friday morning, February 20. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AEST on Friday.