Major Flood Warning: Upper Balonne River and Dogwood Creek

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20831) for the Upper Balonne River, a Flood Warning for Dogwood Creek, and a Final Flood Warning for Bungil Creek. This alert was issued at 11:38 am AEST on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, following recent heavy rainfall across the catchment area.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts several locations across Queensland, specifically:

• Balonne River: Warkon, Surat, Warroo, and the stretch downstream of Surat to Beardmore Dam.
• Dogwood Creek: Miles, Gilweir, and Pine Hill Crossing.
• Bungil Creek: Roma (where conditions are currently easing).

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas should monitor river levels closely and stay informed via local emergency services. A Flood Watch remains current for much of Queensland. Ensure you are prepared for potential isolation or property impact in major flood zones, particularly near Warkon and Surat.

Expected Conditions

• Balonne River at Warkon: The river is estimated to be above the minor flood level (7.00 m) and rising. It may exceed the moderate level (8.00 m) Tuesday and the major flood level (9.00 m) overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
• Balonne River at Surat: Currently rising; expected to exceed the minor level (5.00 m) overnight Tuesday, the moderate level (7.00 m) Wednesday, and the major flood level (9.00 m) from late Thursday.
• Dogwood Creek: Significant rises are occurring. Major flooding is currently rising at Pine Hill Crossing. Near-moderate and moderate peaks were observed overnight Monday into Tuesday at Miles and Gilweir.
• Balonne River at Warroo: Currently steady at 2.37 m, but may exceed the minor flood level (9.00 m) overnight Thursday into Friday.
• Bungil Creek at Roma: Levels are falling (currently 4.84 m) and are expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.95 m).

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately and remains active until at least March 13, 2026. While no significant rainfall is forecast for the next few days, river levels will continue to rise as upstream peaks move through the system. Peak forecasts will be provided as upstream observations are confirmed.