Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Western River And Flood Warning For The Diamantina River Issued at 12:17 PM AEST on Friday 02 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 9 MAJOR FLOODING IS POSSIBLE AT WINTON OVER THE WEEKEND RENEWED RIVER LEVEL RISES POSSIBLE AT DIAMANTINA LAKES OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS Recent rainfall across the upper Diamantina River catchment has caused renewed river level rises and flooding across the Western and Diamantina Rivers. Moderate flooding is occurring at Winton, and major flooding is possible over the weekend. Further areas of rainfall are forecast to continue over the next few days. River levels are expected to remain elevated and further river level rises are likely. This situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required. Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes: The Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes is at 2.23 m and steady, above the level of the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 m). Renewed river level rises are likely over the next few days. Western River: Moderate flooding is occurring along the Western River, with major flooding possible. The Western River at Winton is currently at 2.22 m and steady, with moderate flooding. The Western River at Winton is likely to remain above the moderate flood level (2.00 m) for the remainder of Friday. Further rises to around the major flood level (3.50 m) are possible over the weekend. Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes: River level rises are occurring along the lower Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes, with minor flooding occurring at Monkira. 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 Saturday 03 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Mills Creek at Oondooroo,6.09,steady,11:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Western River at Winton,2.22,steady,11:20 am Fri 02/01/26 Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes Tm,2.23,steady,11:00 am Fri 02/01/26 Diamantina River at Monkira,2.99,steady,9:00 am Thu 01/01/26 Diamantina River at Birdsville,1.79,steady,11:15 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.