Major Flood Warning Issued for Upper Balonne River as Peaks Move Downstream

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20831) for the Upper Balonne River. The alert, issued at 11:30 am AEST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, indicates that while major flooding is currently easing in some upstream areas, significant water levels remain a threat downstream.

Affected Areas

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

• Warkon and Surat: Major flooding is currently easing after recent peaks.
• Weribone: A major flood peak is currently occurring.
• Warroo: Minor flooding is occurring as the peak approaches.
• Downstream to Beardmore Dam: Impacted by moving floodwaters.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised 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 other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates. The situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Expected Conditions

Major flooding continues to ease at Warkon, where the river was recorded at 9.52 meters and falling as of Wednesday morning. It is expected to fall below the major flood level (9.00 m) overnight Wednesday and may drop below the minor flood level (7.00 m) by Friday morning.

At Surat, the river is estimated to be above the major flood level (9.00 m) and falling after a peak of approximately 10.5 meters on Monday. Levels are expected to fall below the major flood threshold overnight Thursday into Friday.

Downstream at Warroo, the river is currently at 9.33 meters and rising. A minor peak of approximately 9.80 meters is expected around Thursday evening. At Weribone, the river was steady at 11.00 meters as of 10:00 am Wednesday. No significant rainfall is forecast for the catchment over the next several days.

Timeline

The current warning is effective immediately. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AEST on Thursday, March 19, 2026.