Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Cherwell River; Minor Flooding at Burrum River and Surrounding Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning for the Cherwell River, a Minor Flood Warning for the Burrum River, and a Flood Warning for the Isis, Gregory, and Elliott Rivers. This update (Flood Warning Number 3) was issued at 11:02 am AEST on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several river catchments in Queensland, specifically targeting:

• Burrum River: Minor flooding estimated at Howard.
• Cherwell River: Moderate flooding possible at Pacific Haven.
• Isis, Gregory, and Elliott Rivers: River level rises are occurring across these catchments.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow these safety 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.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Local emergency management advice is available at www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.

Expected Conditions

Moderate to heavy rainfall recorded since Sunday has resulted in significant river and creek level rises.

• Burrum River at Howard: The river is estimated to be above the minor flood level of 6.00 m and rising.
• Cherwell River at Pacific Haven: Currently at 1.29 m and rising. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.50 m) Monday evening and may exceed the moderate flood level (3.00 m) overnight Monday into Tuesday.
• Isis River at Bruce Highway: Recorded at 4.63 m and rising as of 10:00 am Monday.
• Gregory River at Burrum Highway: Recorded at 5.27 m and rising as of 10:00 am Monday.

Timeline

The alert is currently active. Minor flooding is estimated to be occurring at Howard as of Monday morning. Moderate flooding is anticipated at Pacific Haven starting overnight Monday and continuing into Tuesday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain for the remainder of Monday. The next official warning update is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 PM AEST on Monday, 9 March 2026.