Flood Warning Issued for Warburton River and Cooper Creek in South Australia

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Warning (IDS20370) for the Inland Rivers of South Australia. This warning, which is the 13th update for this event, was issued at 1:34 pm ACDT on Friday, March 20, 2026. The alert highlights significant river level rises occurring along the Warburton River and expected rises for the lower Cooper Creek.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic regions affected include:

• Warburton River: Specifically at Poothapootha Waterhole.
• Lower Cooper Creek: Areas surrounding Innamincka and Cullyamurra Waterhole.
• Inland Rivers: General impacts across the South Australian inland river systems near the Queensland border.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous and conditions can change quickly.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• Check road conditions before attempting any travel, as many roads and access tracks are currently impacted.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

River level rises are currently occurring at Poothapootha Waterhole due to recent rainfall and arriving floodwaters from the Diamantina River in Queensland. Major flooding is already occurring upstream in Queensland along the Georgina River and Eyre Creek, which will continue to flow into South Australia over the coming weeks.

Specific river observations as of Friday afternoon include:

• Cooper Creek at Cullyamurra Waterhole: 5.48 meters and falling, though it remains approximately 4.30 meters above the Innamincka causeway.
• Diamantina River at Birdsville: 5.17 meters and steady.
• Cooper Creek at NW Channel (Upstream Coongie Lakes): 4.72 meters and steady.

While levels at Innamincka are currently falling, further rises are anticipated as moderate flood flows from Windorah, Queensland, reach the area.

Timeline

The flood warning is currently active. High flows are expected to continue reaching South Australian waterholes over the coming weeks. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next formal update by 2:00 PM ACDT on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.