Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Moderate Flood Warning For The Western River And Minor Flood Warning For The Diamantina River Issued at 11:38 AM AEST on Tuesday 20 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 28 MODERATE FLOODING EXPECTED TO BE EASING AT WINTON FLOODING CONTINUING AT DIAMANTINA LAKES MINOR FLOODING LIKELY AT BIRDSVILLE FROM EARLY NEXT WEEK Widespread heavy rainfall late last week has caused river level rises and flooding across the Diamantina River catchment and its upper tributaries, including the Western River catchment. An earlier flood peak is continuing to move downstream along the Diamantina River. The river level along the Western River at Winton is around the moderate flood level and easing slowly. Further downstream, moderate flooding is continuing along the Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes. River levels remain above the causeway and are easing slowly as the flood peak continues to move downstream. River levels along the lower Diamantina River are expected to rise as floodwaters continue to move slowly through the catchment. Minor flooding is likely to occur at Birdsville from early next week. Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes: The Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes is at 5.19 m and falling slowly, above the level of the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 m). Western River: Minor flooding is expected to be continuing along the Western River at Winton. The Western River at Winton is currently at 2.00 m and steady, with moderate flooding. The Western River at Winton is expected to fall below the moderate flood level (2.00 m) Tuesday afternoon. Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes: River level rises are occurring along the lower Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes. Moderate flooding is occurring at Monkira. The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is currently at 1.75 m and steady, below the minor flood level. The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) from early next week. Forecast will be refined when 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 Wednesday 21 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Mills Creek at Oondooroo,1.99,steady,11:00 am Tue 20/01/26 Western River at Winton,2.00,steady,9:00 am Tue 20/01/26 Diamantina River at Elderslie,2.10,steady,5:50 am Tue 20/01/26 Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes Tm,5.19,steady,11:00 am Tue 20/01/26 Diamantina River at Monkira,4.00,steady,9:00 am Mon 19/01/26 Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station,1.75,steady,9:00 am Tue 20/01/26 Diamantina River at Birdsville,2.08,steady,9:55 am Tue 20/01/26 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.