Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Flood Warning For The Nicholson And Leichhardt Rivers Issued at 11:14 AM AEST on Thursday 01 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 5 FLOODING OCCURRING ALONG THE NICHOLSON AND LEICHHARDT RIVERS Recent widespread heavy rainfall has caused rises in river and creek levels across the Nicholson and Leichhardt catchments, with minor to moderate flooding occurring. The main flood peak along the Nicholson River is currently approaching Escott Station. Along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip, river levels are expected to be elevated and to continue rising over the next few days. The river level at Burketown Airstrip may peak later this week. Along the Leichhardt River at Lorraine, levels peaked near 16.25m on Tuesday, resulting in major flooding. The main flood peak along the Leichhardt River is now approaching Floraville, where river levels are elevated and are expected to continue rising over the next few days. Further areas of rainfall are forecast to continue over the next few days. This may lead to additional river and creek level rises. Nicholson and Gregory Rivers: Moderate flooding is continuing along the Nicholson River at Escott Station. Minor flooding is occurring along the Gregory River at Gregory Downs. No observations are currently available for the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip. River levels along the Albert River at Burketown Airstrip are expected to be elevated and continue to rise over the next few days. The river level may peak later this week. Leichhardt River: Moderate flooding is continuing along the Leichhardt River at Lorraine and Floraville. Flood Safety Advice: Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous. Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways. Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads. Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed. For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.} For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. Next issue: The next warning will be issued by 02:00 PM AEST on Friday 02 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Gregory River at Riversleigh,1.94,falling,10:00 am Thu 01/01/26 Gregory River at Gregory Downs,4.40,falling,10:00 am Thu 01/01/26 Nicholson River at Escott Station,9.60,rising,9:00 am Wed 31/12/25 Burketown Tide,4.53,steady,10:18 am Thu 01/01/26 Leichhardt River at Doughboy Ck,2.46,falling,10:00 am Thu 01/01/26 Leichhardt River at Julius Dam,0.42,steady,11:00 am Thu 01/01/26 Leichhardt River at Miranda Creek,3.86,falling,10:00 am Thu 01/01/26 Gunpowder Creek at Gunpowder,3.19,steady,10:00 am Thu 01/01/26 Leichhardt River at Lorraine,13.70,falling,8:30 am Thu 01/01/26 Leichhardt River at Floraville,7.66,rising,10:00 am Thu 01/01/26 This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.