Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Western River at Winton and Diamantina River in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning for the Western River and a Minor Flood Warning for the Diamantina River. This alert, identified as Warning Number 66, was issued at 2:53 pm AEST on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, following moderate to heavy rainfall observed across the Western River catchment over the previous weekend.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key locations in Western Queensland, including:

• Winton: Moderate flooding possible.
• Birdsville: Minor flooding continuing at the Birdsville Police Station.
• Diamantina Lakes: Moderate flooding currently falling slowly.
• Roseberth and Monkira: Minor flooding occurring.
• Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road: Causeway levels are currently impacted.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous and conditions can change quickly.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

• Western River at Winton: The river is expected to exceed the minor flood level (1.50 m) overnight Tuesday into Wednesday and may reach the moderate flood level (2.00 m) during Wednesday.
• Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes: Currently at 5.20 m and falling, which remains above the moderate flood level of 4.00 m.
• Diamantina River at Birdsville: The river was at 5.40 m and falling as of 9:00 am Tuesday. It is expected to stay above the minor flood level (4.00 m) for several days, with renewed rises possible as upstream flows arrive.
• Other Observations: Mills Creek at Oondooroo was recorded at 5.58 m and steady as of Tuesday afternoon.

Timeline

The current alert is effective immediately. Minor flooding is possible at Winton starting overnight Tuesday, March 10, with moderate flooding expected on Wednesday, March 11. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 3:00 pm AEST on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.