Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Lower Flinders River Issued at 12:43 PM AEST on Wednesday 21 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 42 MAJOR FLOODING EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FALLING AT WALKERS BEND Renewed river level rises are occurring along the upper Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers, with a flood peak now downstream of Punchbowl and approaching Etta Plains on the Flinders River. Along the Cloncurry River, a flood peak is now downstream of Will Development Road and approaching Canobie. Further downstream along the lower Flinders River at Walkers Bend, major flooding is expected to continue falling following a major flood peak earlier this month. As the flood peaks from the upper Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers arrive, renewed rises above the major flood level are possible over the next several days at Walkers Bend but are not expected to exceed levels observed earlier this month. Isolated showers and possible thunderstorms are forecast over the next few days across the upper Flinders and Cloncurry River catchment but are not expected to significantly impact river levels at Richmond and Cloncurry at this stage. This situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as necessary. Flinders River downstream of Richmond: Major flooding is expected to be continuing along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond. River level observations are unavailable for the Flinders River at Walkers Bend. The river level is expected to be above the major flood level (8.00 m) and falling. The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) into the weekend. 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 01:00 PM AEST on Thursday 22 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.25,rising,12:15 pm Wed 21/01/26 Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,1.85,steady,12:00 pm Wed 21/01/26 Flinders River at Punchbowl,6.01,steady,12:00 pm Wed 21/01/26 Flinders River at Etta Plains,7.59,steady,12:00 pm Wed 21/01/26 Julia Creek,1.77,steady,12:00 pm Wed 21/01/26 Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,7.13,steady,12:00 pm Wed 21/01/26 Cloncurry River at Canobie,7.65,rising,12:00 pm Wed 21/01/26 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.