Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Bulloo River: Quilpie and Thargomindah Affected

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20855) for the Bulloo River. This update, issued at 10:16 am AEST on Sunday, February 22, 2026, indicates that while minor flooding is easing in some upstream areas, moderate flooding remains a threat for downstream communities.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic regions in Queensland:

• Quilpie: Minor flooding is currently easing.
• Thargomindah: Minor flooding is likely Monday, with moderate flooding possible Tuesday.
• Autumnvale: River levels remain steady.
• Bulloo River downstream of Quilpie: Moderate flooding is possible as upstream flows arrive.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas should take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater, as it is dangerous and conditions can change quickly.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for further updates.

Expected Conditions

• Quilpie: The river level was recorded at 3.77 meters at 9:00 am Sunday and is falling. It is expected to stay above the minor flood level (3.00 m) for the next few days.
• Thargomindah: The river level was last recorded at 3.44 meters on Saturday afternoon and is rising. It is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) on Monday and may exceed the moderate flood level (4.50 m) from Tuesday.
• Autumnvale: The river level was steady at 4.63 meters as of 9:00 am Sunday.

Timeline

The current alert is effective through February 25, 2026. Minor flooding is anticipated at Thargomindah on Monday, February 23, with potential moderate flooding beginning Tuesday, February 24. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 12:00 PM AEST on Monday, February 23, 2026.