Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding for 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 warning is currently active for parts of the southwest region of Queensland as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the Channel Country and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts. Specific locations that may be affected include Birdsville, Bedourie, Ballera, Orientos, Mt Howitt Station, and Davenport Downs Station. Recent observations show significant totals already recorded, including 97 mm at Neppa Merrie and 62 mm at Farrars Creek.

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents to take the following precautions:

• Seek Shelter: Go inside a strong building immediately and stay inside until the storm has passed.
• Protect Property: Park cars undercover and away from trees. Close all doors and windows.
• Safety Measures: Ensure children are with a trusted adult and put pets in a safe place where they can be identified if lost.
• Health and Power: Keep asthma medications close by, as storms can trigger attacks. Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Travel: Do not drive unless absolutely necessary as conditions are dangerous.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving tropical low over the Northern Territory is feeding moisture into a trough in southwest Queensland, resulting in persistent thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm over a six-hour period are likely, which may lead to flash flooding. Locally intense rainfall with six-hourly totals of approximately 110 mm is possible, posing a threat of dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding. These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock in the region.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 11:00 am AEST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The most intense rainfall is expected to occur from Wednesday evening and continue overnight into Thursday morning. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 5:00 pm AEST Wednesday.