Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Flinders River Issued at 09:46 AM AEST on Saturday 03 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 17 MAJOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT RICHMOND AND WALKERS BEND Recent heavy 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 Saturday through to Monday, with the heaviest rainfall likely over the Flinders catchment. Further river and creek level rises are possible. Major flooding is estimated to be occurring along the Flinders River at Richmond. Downstream, along the Flinders River, an initial flood peak is passing through Etta Plains. Along the Cloncurry River, a flood peak has passed through Canobie. These flood peaks are travelling down the Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers towards the Flinders Cloncurry Junction. Downstream of the Flinders Cloncurry Junction major flooding is occurring at Walkers Bend and is expected to continue rising well into next week as upstream flood waters continue to arrive. Flinders River to Richmond: Major 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 around the major flood level (8.00 m) and steady. The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office is likely to remain around the major flood level (8.00 m) into Monday 05 January. 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 13.47 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. 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 10:00 AM AEST on Sunday 04 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.73,steady,9:05 am Sat 03/01/26 Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,2.37,steady,9:00 am Sat 03/01/26 Flinders River at Punchbowl,6.88,steady,9:00 am Sat 03/01/26 Flinders River at Etta Plains,11.26,steady,9:00 am Sat 03/01/26 Julia Creek,3.54,falling,9:00 am Sat 03/01/26 Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,8.61,steady,9:00 am Sat 03/01/26 Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,1.90,steady,9:00 am Sat 03/01/26 Cloncurry River at Canobie,11.04,steady,9:00 am Sat 03/01/26 Flinders River at Flinders Cloncurry Junction,12.18,rising,6:00 am Sat 03/01/26 Flinders River at Walkers Bend,13.47,steady,9:00 am Sat 03/01/26 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.