Major Flood Warning Issued for Balonne River at Surat and Warkon

Alert Details

A Major Flood Warning (IDQ20831) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the Upper Balonne River. This is the ninth update for this event, issued at 12:58 pm AEST on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several locations along the Balonne River and its tributaries, including:

• Warkon and Surat: Currently experiencing major flooding.
• Warroo: Potential for minor flooding.
• Dogwood Creek: Levels have eased below flood thresholds.
• Balonne River downstream of Surat to Beardmore Dam.

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, as it is extremely dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded areas.
• Stay informed by monitoring 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.

Expected Conditions

• Balonne River at Warkon: The river is currently at 10.72 meters and steady, following a peak of 10.82 meters on Friday night. It remains well above the major flood level of 9.00 meters.
• Balonne River at Surat: River levels are estimated to be above the major flood level (9.0 meters) and rising. A peak near 10.80 meters is forecast for Monday.
• Balonne River at Warroo: The river is currently at 7.35 meters and steady. It may exceed the minor flood level of 9.00 meters overnight Monday into Tuesday as upstream flows arrive.
• Rainfall: No significant rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next several days.

Timeline

• Surat: Expected to peak near 10.80 meters during Monday.
• Warkon: Likely to remain above the major flood level (9.00 meters) through Tuesday.
• Warroo: Minor flooding possible overnight Monday into Tuesday.
• Next Update: The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next warning by 1:00 pm AEST on Monday, March 16, 2026.