Severe Weather Warning for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall in Southwest Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDQ21037) for heavy and locally intense rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for immediate broadcast affecting parts of the North West, Channel Country, and Central West Forecast Districts.

Affected Areas

The warning covers specific geographic regions in the far southwest of Queensland. Impacted locations include Birdsville, Boulia, Bedourie, Glenormiston, Davenport Downs Station, and Morney. Residents should note that the warning for the Maranoa and Warrego district has been cancelled as severe weather is no longer occurring in those areas.

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents in the warning zone to take the following actions:

• Stay Indoors: Go inside a strong building and stay there until the storm has passed.
• Travel Safety: Do not drive unless absolutely necessary as conditions are dangerous.
• Vehicle Protection: Park your car undercover and away from trees.
• Secure the Home: Close all doors and windows.
• Communication: Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Health: Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks.
• Pets and Livestock: Place pets in a safe, identifiable location. The weather also poses a threat to cattle and other livestock.
• Supervision: Ensure children are with a trusted adult.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving tropical low over the southeast Northern Territory is feeding moisture into a stationary trough, creating persistent rain and thunderstorms.

• Heavy Rainfall: Six-hour totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with 24-hour totals reaching 60 to 100 mm (isolated totals of 130 mm possible).
• Intense Rainfall: Slow-moving thunderstorms may produce locally intense rainfall of approximately 110 mm within six hours, leading to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 10:51 am AEST on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The most intense rainfall is expected from Thursday evening and overnight into Friday morning. The risk of heavy falls is expected to contract westwards toward the Northern Territory border on Friday morning. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm AEST Thursday.