Moderate Flood Warning for Baffle Creek and Minor Flood Warning for Kolan River in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning for Baffle Creek and a Minor Flood Warning for the Kolan River. This update (Flood Warning Number 3) was issued at 10:41 am AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026, following heavy rainfall observed across the catchments. A Flood Watch is currently in effect for most of Queensland, alongside a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Baffle Creek catchment, including Essendean Bridge, and the Kolan River catchment, including Bucca Weir. Specific river height observations have been noted at Mimdale, Castlehope, Hills Road, and Barnetts 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 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 warnings, visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall observed overnight Friday into Saturday has resulted in significant creek level rises. Further moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the next few days, which may result in additional rises.

• Baffle Creek at Essendean Bridge: Currently at 4.37 m and rising. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.00 m) Sunday afternoon and may exceed the moderate flood level (6.20 m) Sunday evening.
• Kolan River at Bucca Weir: Currently at 16.37 m and steady. It may exceed the minor flood level (17.50 m) from overnight Sunday into Monday.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately. Minor flooding is expected at Essendean Bridge on Sunday afternoon, with moderate flooding possible by Sunday evening. At Bucca Weir, minor flooding is anticipated starting overnight Sunday and continuing into Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 5:00 PM AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026.