Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Western River at Winton and Diamantina River Catchments

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 update, Warning Number 50, was issued at 11:55 am AEST on Sunday, 22 February 2026, following reports of moderate flooding in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts several locations across Western Queensland, specifically:

• Western River: Winton and surrounding areas.
• Diamantina River: Diamantina Lakes, Roseberth, Monkira, and Birdsville.
• Additional Catchments: Mills Creek at Oondooroo and the Diamantina River at Elderslie.

Expected Conditions

Moderate flooding is currently estimated to be occurring at Winton, where river levels are approximately 2.00 meters and steady. At Diamantina Lakes, the river was recorded at 4.00 meters, which is at the moderate flood level and significantly above the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 meters).

Minor flooding is also occurring at Roseberth and Monkira. While a below-minor flood peak has passed Birdsville (3.40 meters), renewed rises are expected next week due to upstream flows and locally heavy rainfall. Showers and storms are forecast for the catchment over the coming days, which may lead to further river level rises. A Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall is also in effect for the far lower reaches of the catchment, including Birdsville.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised to take the following 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.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Timeline

The current flood conditions at Winton are expected to remain around the moderate level through the remainder of Sunday and into Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 12:00 PM AEST on Monday, 23 February 2026.