Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Flinders River at Richmond and Walkers Bend

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20878) for the Flinders River. This is the eighth warning issued for this event, effective as of 10:24 am AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key locations along the Flinders River in Queensland, including:

• Flinders River at Richmond Post Office
• Flinders River at Walkers Bend
• Flinders River downstream of Richmond
• Flinders River to Richmond

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised 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 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 situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Recent moderate rainfall in the upper Flinders catchment has triggered river level rises. Moderate flooding is currently estimated at the Richmond Post Office. While the automatic gauge shows levels are currently relatively steady, further small rises are possible over the next few days as upstream flows arrive.

Downstream at Walkers Bend, the river is currently at 1.58 meters and steady, which is below the minor flood level. However, the river is forecast to exceed the minor flood level of 5.00 meters during the upcoming weekend. Further rises are likely into next week. Showers and storms forecast over the next few days may contribute to additional rises across the catchment.

Latest river height observations as of 9:00 am Wednesday include:

• Flinders River at Punchbowl: 5.10 m (Steady)
• Flinders River at Etta Plains: 4.57 m (Rising)
• Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains: 2.11 m (Steady)
• Flinders River at Glendower Crossing: 1.03 m (Steady)

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:24 am AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Moderate flooding is expected to continue at Richmond through Wednesday and into Thursday. Minor flooding is projected for Walkers Bend during the weekend, with further rises possible into next week. The next official update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 11:00 am AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.