Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Flinders River Issued at 09:37 AM AEST on Friday 02 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 15 NEAR MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT RICHMOND FROM FRIDAY EVENING MAJOR FLOODING CONTINUES TO RISE AT WALKERS BEND Recent rainfall has caused river and creek level rises and flooding across the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments. Further areas of moderate to heavy rainfall are forecast to affect parts of the catchments over the next few days, with the heaviest rainfall likely over the Flinders catchment. River and creek level rises are likely to continue. Moderate flooding is expected to be occurring at Richmond, with rises close to the major flood level possible from late Friday. Minor flooding has eased at Cloncurry. Downstream, major flooding at Walkers Bend is expected to continue rising well into next week as upstream floodwaters continue to arrive. Flinders River to Richmond: Major flooding is possible 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 rising. The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office may reach close to the major flood level (8.00 m) from Friday evening. Further rises are possible with forecast rain. 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 12.42 m and rising, with major flooding. The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) well into next week, with rises continuing as upstream flows arrive. Cloncurry River: Minor flooding has eased along the Cloncurry River. The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry is currently at 2.24 m and steady, below the minor flood level. The Cloncurry River at Cloncurry is expected to remain below the minor flood level (3.00 m). 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 05:00 PM AEST on Friday 02 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.22,steady,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,2.91,falling,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Flinders River at Punchbowl,6.63,steady,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Flinders River at Etta Plains,11.27,steady,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Julia Creek,3.74,rising,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,8.98,steady,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,2.24,steady,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Cloncurry River at Canobie,11.40,falling,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Flinders River at Flinders Cloncurry Junction,11.88,steady,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Flinders River at Walkers Bend,12.42,rising,9:00 am Fri 02/01/26 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.