Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Upper Balonne River as Water Levels Ease at Surat and Warroo

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20831) for the Upper Balonne River. This is the 15th warning issued for this event. While flooding is currently easing, moderate flood levels persist in some areas as the peak moves toward the lower Balonne River catchment.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following regions in Queensland:

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

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas 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 waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

No significant rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next several days, which is expected to assist in the continued easing of flood levels.

• Surat: The river level was estimated to have fallen below the major flood level (9.00 m) on Friday afternoon. As of 11:00 am Saturday, the level was 7.78 m and falling. It is expected to fall below the moderate flood level (7.00 m) overnight Saturday into Sunday.
• Warroo: The river was recorded at 9.33 m and steady as of 11:53 am Saturday. It is likely to fall below the minor flood level (9.00 m) overnight Saturday into Sunday.
• Weribone: Major flooding continues to ease, with the river level recorded at 9.85 m and falling.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:15 pm AEST on Saturday, 21 March 2026. Conditions are expected to improve overnight Saturday and into Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology plans to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AEST on Sunday, 22 March 2026.