Major Flood Warning Issued for Thomson and Alice Rivers and Cooper Creek in Central Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning for the Thomson and Alice Rivers and Cooper Creek, alongside a Moderate Flood Warning for the Barcoo River and Jordan Creek. This update, Warning Number 72, was issued at 11:44 am AEST on Friday, March 13, 2026, following significant flows in the upper catchment areas.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions and river systems in Queensland are under alert:

• Thomson River: Longreach, Camoola Park, Jundah, and Stonehenge.
• Alice River: Barcaldine.
• Cooper Creek: Windorah.
• Barcoo River: Blackall, Isisford, and Retreat.
• Jordan Creek: Jericho.

Expected Conditions

Significant flooding and rising water levels are reported across the region:

• Thomson River at Longreach: Currently at 4.20 m and rising. It is likely to exceed the major flood level (5.30 m) late Friday. A significant peak above the new bridge level (6.35 m) is possible as early as Sunday.
• Thomson River at Camoola Park: Currently at 5.90 m and rising; expected to peak near the major flood level (6.70 m) late Friday.
• Alice River at Barcaldine: Major flooding is occurring, with a peak likely during Friday afternoon.
• Cooper Creek at Windorah: Major flooding is occurring. While currently at a peak and slowly receding, renewed rises are expected over the next week.
• Thomson River at Jundah: Currently at 4.72 m with moderate flooding steady.
• Jordan River at Jericho: Moderate flooding continues.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning areas are advised to monitor the situation closely as forecasts will be updated as upstream peaks are observed. Stay informed via official Bureau of Meteorology updates and follow any instructions from local emergency services. Move to higher ground if necessary and do not attempt to drive through floodwaters.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of March 13, 2026, with an expiry set for March 16, 2026. Major flooding at Longreach is expected to commence late Friday with a potential peak on Sunday. Renewed river level rises for the lower Thomson and Cooper Creek are anticipated over the next one to two weeks.