Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Lower Balonne River and St George

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20833) for the Lower Balonne River. This update, issued at 12:34 pm AEST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, follows reports of major flooding occurring upstream in the Upper Balonne River.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Lower Balonne River, including St George, Whyenbah, and the Bokhara Rivers. Further downstream, river level rises are anticipated for Dirranbandi and surrounding distributaries over the next week.

What You Should Do

Authorities advise residents to never drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous. Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways. Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded roads. For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

While no significant rainfall is forecast for the catchment over the next few days, floodwaters from the Upper Balonne are reaching the Beardmore Dam. At St George, the river is expected to exceed the moderate flood level of 8.00 meters on Thursday morning. A peak of approximately 8.40 meters is forecast for overnight Friday into Saturday. Moderate flooding is currently occurring at Whyenbah, where the river was recorded at 5.34 meters on Wednesday afternoon.

Timeline

• Wednesday, March 18: Minor flooding rising at St George; moderate flooding occurring at Whyenbah.
• Thursday, March 19: Moderate flooding expected to begin at St George in the morning.
• Friday night into Saturday: Expected moderate flood peak of 8.40 meters at St George.
• Late weekend/Early next week: River level rises expected to begin at Dirranbandi.