Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Moderate Flood Warning For The Western And Diamantina Rivers Issued at 10:05 AM AEST on Friday 27 February 2026 Flood Warning Number: 57 MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE ALONG THE DIAMANTINA RIVER AT BIRDSVILLE FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND OCCURRING ALONG THE WESTERN RIVER AT WINTON RAPID RIVER AND CREEK LEVEL RISES AND FLOODING OCCURRING IN THE LOWER DIAMANTINA CATCHMENT Significant rainfall has been observed across the Diamantina catchment during the last few days. Areas of heavy rainfall are forecast to continue across lower parts of the catchment during Friday, which may result in rapid river level rises and localised flooding. River level rises are occurring along the lower Diamantina River and its tributaries from recent rainfall, with minor flooding occurring at Birdsville. Moderate flooding is possible at Birdsville from Friday afternoon as upstream flows arrive. Further upstream along the Diamantina River, river levels remain above the moderate flood level at Diamantina Lakes and above the minor level at Monkira. Further river level rises are likely downstream of Diamantina Lakes over the next few days as upstream flows arrive. Along the Western River at Winton, river levels are estimated to be above the moderate flood level and slowly falling. A Severe Weather Warning is current for heavy, locally intense rainfall in lower parts of the catchment, including Birdsville and Davenport Downs Station. Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes: The Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes is currently at 4.89 m and rising, above the moderate flood level (4.00 m) and well above the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway level (2.10 m). Western River: Moderate flooding is expected to be slowly easing along the Western River at Winton. No observations are currently available for the Western River at Winton. It is estimated that the river level is currently above the moderate flood level (2.00 m) and falling. The Western River at Winton is likely to remain above the moderate flood level (2.00 m) through the remainder of Friday. Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes: Moderate flooding is occurring at Roseberth and is possible at Birdsville, where minor flooding is occurring. Minor flooding is occurring at Monkira. Rapid river level rises are possible along the Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes, with forecast heavy rainfall. Further rises are also possible as upstream flows arrive. The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is currently at 5.20 m and rising, with minor flooding. The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station may exceed the moderate flood level (6.00 m) Friday afternoon. The river may reach around 6.50 m during Saturday, with moderate flooding. Further rises are possible with forecast rain. Forecasts will be updated as upstream peaks are observed. 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 12:00 PM AEST on Saturday 28 February 2026. Latest River Heights: Mills Creek at Oondooroo,2.41,falling,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26 Western River at Winton,2.35,falling,9:00 am Wed 25/02/26 Diamantina River at Elderslie,2.75,rising,5:45 am Fri 27/02/26 Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes Tm,4.89,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26 Diamantina River at Monkira,3.68,steady,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26 Diamantina River at Roseberth Station,5.15,steady,7:00 am Fri 27/02/26 Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station,5.20,rising,9:00 am Fri 27/02/26 Diamantina River at Birdsville,5.41,steady,8:55 am Fri 27/02/26 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.