Major Flood Warning Issued for Flinders River at Walkers Bend; Conditions Ease at Richmond

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20878) for the Flinders River. This update, the 31st warning for this event, indicates that while major flooding persists in the lower reaches, conditions have eased in the upper Flinders River areas.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following regions in Queensland:

• Lower Flinders River: Major flooding is occurring at Walkers Bend and downstream of Richmond.
• Upper Flinders River: Moderate flooding has eased at Richmond Post Office, with levels now falling below the minor flood threshold.
• Other monitored locations: Glendower Crossing, Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains, Punchbowl, Etta Plains, Julia Creek, Gilliat River, and Cloncurry River.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous and unpredictable.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded areas.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

• Walkers Bend: The river level is currently at 10.70 meters and steady. It is expected to remain above the major flood level of 8.00 meters for the next several days.
• Richmond Post Office: The river level is estimated to be below the minor flood level of 5.00 meters and is continuing to fall.
• Weather Outlook: Showers are forecast for the next few days, though they are unlikely to contribute to significant riverine flows.

Timeline

This warning was issued at 2:30 pm AEST on Friday, March 13, 2026. Major flooding at Walkers Bend is expected to continue for the next few days. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 3:00 pm AEST on Monday, March 16, 2026.