Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Flinders River Issued at 10:20 AM AEST on Wednesday 07 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 26 MAJOR FLOODING CONTINUES AT WALKERS BEND MODERATE FLOODING OCCURRING AT RICHMOND Recent heavy rainfall has caused river and creek level rises and flooding across the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments. Multiple peaks are currently moving downstream, with some river level peaks observed just below 2019 levels. Along the Flinders River at Richmond river levels are estimated to be falling slowly with moderate flooding. Downstream, inflows from multiple tributaries are causing major flooding at Walkers Bend, where river levels are slowly falling. Moderate to heavy rainfall may redevelop from late this week, resulting in renewed river level rises during the weekend and into next week. Flinders River to Richmond: Moderate flooding is occurring along the Flinders River to Richmond. No observations are currently available for the Flinders River at Richmond Post Office. Based on the nearby automatic gauge, the river level is expected to be above the moderate flood level (6.00 m) and falling slowly. The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office is likely to remain above the moderate flood level (6.00 m) for the next few days. Flinders River downstream of Richmond: Major flooding is occurring along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond. The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is currently at 15.97 m and falling, with major flooding. The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) until at least early next week. 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 11:00 AM AEST on Thursday 08 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.25,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,1.90,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 Flinders River at Punchbowl,7.68,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 Flinders River at Etta Plains,10.64,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 Julia Creek,2.49,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,7.98,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,1.64,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 Cloncurry River at Canobie,9.52,steady,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 Flinders River at Flinders Cloncurry Junction,12.36,steady,12:00 pm Sat 03/01/26 Flinders River at Walkers Bend,15.97,falling,9:00 am Wed 07/01/26 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.