Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Flinders River Issued at 12:36 PM AEST on Friday 23 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 44 MAJOR FLOODING EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FALLING SLOWLY AT WALKERS BEND Renewed river level rises are occurring along the Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers. Along the lower Flinders River at Walkers Bend, major flooding is expected to continue falling slowly following a major flood peak earlier this month. As upstream flows arrive, renewed rises above the major flood level are likely over the next several days at Walkers Bend but are not expected to exceed levels observed earlier this month. Isolated showers are forecast in the next couple days across the upper Flinders and Cloncurry River catchment but are not expected to significantly impact river levels at Richmond and Cloncurry at this stage. Further rainfall may develop from early next week with a tropical low in the Gulf of Carpentaria. This may result in renewed river level rises. The situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as required. Flinders River downstream of Richmond: Major flooding is expected to be continuing along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond. As at 09:15 AEST on Friday, the river is at 10.59 m and estimated to be slowly falling, with major flooding. The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) over the next few days. 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 01:00 PM AEST on Monday 26 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,0.94,steady,12:00 pm Fri 23/01/26 Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,1.74,steady,12:00 pm Fri 23/01/26 Flinders River at Punchbowl,4.20,falling,12:00 pm Fri 23/01/26 Flinders River at Etta Plains,8.68,steady,12:00 pm Fri 23/01/26 Julia Creek,1.57,steady,12:00 pm Fri 23/01/26 Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,6.88,steady,12:00 pm Fri 23/01/26 Cloncurry River at Canobie,8.18,steady,12:00 pm Fri 23/01/26 Flinders River at Walkers Bend,10.59,falling,9:15 am Fri 23/01/26 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.