Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Diamantina and Western Rivers in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20865) for the Diamantina River and Western River. This is the 49th warning issued for this event, effective as of 11:20 am AEST on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key geographic regions in Queensland, including:

• Western River: Specifically at Winton.
• Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes: Including the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway.
• Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes: Including Roseberth, Monkira, and Birdsville.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are urged to take the following 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 travel to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

• Western River at Winton: Moderate flooding is occurring. The river is currently steady at 2.00 m and is expected to remain around this level through Saturday and Sunday.
• Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes: The river is currently at 4.12 m and falling, which remains above the moderate flood level of 4.00 m and the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway level of 2.10 m.
• Downstream Conditions: Minor flooding is easing at Roseberth. River level rises are occurring at Monkira and are expected further downstream as upstream flows arrive.
• Forecast: Showers and storms are possible over parts of the catchment for the next few days, which may cause further river level rises. Renewed rises are possible starting next week.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:20 am AEST on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Moderate flooding at Winton is expected to persist through at least Sunday, February 22. Upstream flood waters are expected to arrive in downstream areas starting next week. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 12:00 PM AEST on Sunday, February 22, 2026.