Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Baffle Creek and 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, identified as IDQ20775, was issued at 2:27 pm AEST on Saturday, March 7, 2026, following heavy rainfall observed across the region.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic regions affected include:

• Baffle Creek: Specifically at Essendean Bridge and surrounding catchment areas.
• Kolan River: Specifically at Bucca Weir and surrounding catchment areas.
• General Region: A broader Flood Watch remains current for most of Queensland.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall recorded from Friday into Saturday has caused significant creek level rises.

• Baffle Creek at Essendean Bridge: Currently measured at 2.22 meters and rising. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level of 5.00 meters overnight Saturday and may reach the moderate flood level of 6.20 meters by Sunday morning.
• Kolan River at Bucca Weir: Currently measured at 16.27 meters AHD and steady. It is forecast to potentially exceed the minor flood level of 17.50 meters AHD from overnight Sunday into Monday. Further moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the next few days, which may result in additional river level rises.

Timeline

• Saturday Night: Minor flooding likely to begin at Essendean Bridge.
• Sunday Morning: Moderate flooding possible at Essendean Bridge.
• Overnight Sunday into Monday: Minor flooding possible at Bucca Weir. The BOM expects to issue the next update by 11:00 am AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to follow these safety steps:

• 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 emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management warnings and advice.