Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued for Channel Country, Queensland

Alert Details

A Severe Weather Warning (IDQ21037) for heavy rainfall has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). The alert was issued at 10:37 am AEST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, and is classified as a top priority for immediate broadcast.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers southern parts of the Channel Country Forecast District in Queensland. Locations that may be impacted include Birdsville, Ballera, Orientos, Mt Howitt Station, Nappa Merrie, and Durrie.

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents in the affected areas to take the following precautions:

• Park vehicles undercover and away from trees.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks.
• Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Ensure pets are in a safe location and properly identified.
• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary due to dangerous conditions.
• Seek shelter inside a strong building and remain there until the storm has passed.

Expected Conditions

A rich tropical airmass combined with a surface trough and an upper trough moving across eastern South Australia is creating a risk of heavy rainfall. This rainfall may lead to flash flooding. Forecasters expect six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm, with the highest amounts likely to occur during thunderstorms.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately. Conditions are expected to ease below warning thresholds during Wednesday evening. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 5:00 pm AEST Wednesday. Flood warnings are currently active for the region.