Major Flood Warning Issued for Upper Balonne River as Peaks Move Toward Warroo

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDQ20831) for the Upper Balonne River. This is the 13th warning issued for this event, as major flooding continues to ease in upstream areas while peaks move downstream. No significant rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next several days.

Affected Areas

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

• Surat and the Balonne River to Surat
• Warkon
• Warroo
• Weribone
• Balonne River downstream of Surat to Beardmore Dam

What You Should Do

Residents are advised not to drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater, as conditions are dangerous. Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways. Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded roads. For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately. Local updates can be found at www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.

Expected Conditions

Major flooding is currently easing at Surat, with the river estimated to be above the 9.00 m major flood level. It is expected to fall below this level on Friday morning and may drop below the moderate level (7.00 m) on Saturday.

At Warkon, moderate flooding is easing. The river was recorded at 8.12 m at 12:00 pm Thursday and is expected to fall below the moderate flood level (8.00 m) Thursday afternoon and the minor flood level (7.00 m) overnight Thursday into Friday.

At Warroo, the river is rising slowly at 9.71 m. A minor flood peak of approximately 9.80 m is forecast for Thursday evening. Major flooding remains steady at Weribone, recorded at 10.81 m at 11:00 am Thursday.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:08 pm AEST on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

• Warroo Peak: Expected Thursday evening, March 19.
• Warkon Levels: Expected to fall below minor flood levels overnight Thursday into Friday.
• Surat Levels: Expected to fall below major flood levels Friday morning, March 20.

The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm AEST on Friday, March 20, 2026.