Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Herbert River Catchment in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20725) for the Herbert River. This is the fifth flood warning for this event, issued at 12:04 am AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The alert remains active with the next update scheduled for 11:00 am AEST.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Herbert River catchment in Queensland, specifically impacting:

• Herbert River to Nash’s Crossing: Including Gleneagle Homestead.
• Herbert River downstream of Nash’s Crossing: Including Abergowrie Bridge and Halifax.
• Nearby Waterways: Wild River at Silver Valley, Rudd Creek at Gunnawarra, and Blencoe Creek at Blencoe Falls.

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.
• Stay informed by checking the ABC and local media for updates.
• 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 advice.

Expected Conditions

Moderate rainfall over recent days has caused river levels to rise across the upper Herbert catchment. Further showers and storms are forecast, which may lead to additional rises.

• Gleneagle Homestead: Likely to reach the moderate flood level of 8.50 meters. The river is currently rising.
• Abergowrie Bridge: Currently at 7.02 meters and rising. It is expected to peak above the minor flood level (6.00 meters) on Wednesday afternoon.
• Halifax: Currently at 3.51 meters and rising. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 meters) as upstream flows arrive.

Timeline

• Gleneagle Homestead: Moderate flooding expected overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
• Halifax: Minor flooding expected to begin late Wednesday morning.
• Abergowrie Bridge: Peak expected Wednesday afternoon.
• Duration: The situation is ongoing with further rises possible due to forecast rain. The next official update will be issued by 11:00 am AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.