Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Western and Diamantina Rivers in Western Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning for the Western River and a Flood Warning for the Diamantina River. This alert (IDQ20865) was issued at 11:19 am AEST on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and is currently in a major warning phase due to significant river level rises.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key locations in Western Queensland, including:

• Western River: Specifically at Winton and Mills Creek at Oondooroo.
• Diamantina River: Including Diamantina Lakes, Roseberth Station, and the Birdsville Police Station.
• Infrastructure: The Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway is currently affected by rising waters.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to 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 waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall over the weekend has led to rapid rises in the upper reaches of the Western River. Current observations include:

• Western River at Winton: The river is steady at 2.35 meters, which is above the moderate flood level of 2.00 meters. It is expected to remain above this level through Friday.
• Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes: The river is at 4.13 meters and rising, exceeding the moderate flood level of 4.00 meters and the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 meters).
• Diamantina River at Birdsville: A below-minor flood peak of 3.75 meters passed on Monday. The river is currently steady at 3.55 meters, but renewed rises are possible next week.
• Weather Outlook: Showers and storms are possible over the catchment for the next few days, which may lead to further river level rises.

Timeline

The alert was issued on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Moderate flooding is expected to persist at Winton into Friday. Renewed river level rises are anticipated starting next week as upstream floodwaters arrive. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 12:00 PM AEST on Friday, February 20, 2026.