Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Lower Balonne And Bokhara Rivers, Balonne River Minor Issued at 02:45 PM AEST on Tuesday 24 March 2026 Flood Warning Number: 9 MAJOR FLOOD PEAK LIKELY AT DIRRANBANDI FROM LATE TUESDAY MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT HEBEL LATE THIS WEEK, AND EASED AT ST GEORGE Moderate rainfall over the past couple weeks resulted in elevated river levels across the upper Balonne River catchment, with flows now moving through the lower catchment. The main flood peak along the lower Balonne River is approaching Dirranbandi, with moderate flooding. Minor flooding eased along the Balonne River at St George. Further downstream along the Bokhara River, another flood peak is around Dirranbandi-Hebel Road. Minor flooding is possible at Hebel late this week as upstream flows arrive. No significant rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next few days. Lower Balonne and Bokhara Rivers, Balonne River Minor: Moderate to major flooding is occurring along the lower Balonne River and Balonne River Minor. Major flooding is likely at Dirranbandi. Minor flooding is possible along the Bokhara River. No observations are currently available for the Balonne River at St George. Based on the nearby automatic gauge, the river level is estimated to be below the minor flood level and falling. The Balonne River at St George is expected to remain below the minor flood level (6.00 m). The Balonne River Minor at Dirranbandi is currently at 4.71 m and rising, above the moderate flood level (4.30 m). The Balonne River at Dirranbandi is likely to peak near the major flood level (4.80 m) from late Tuesday. The Bokhara River at Hebel is currently at -0.06 m and steady, below the minor flood level. The Bokhara River at Hebel may exceed the minor flood level (1.00 m) late this week. 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 03:00 PM AEST on Wednesday 25 March 2026. Latest River Heights: Balonne River at Jack Taylor Weir,-0.09,falling,1:53 pm Tue 24/03/26 Culgoa River at Whyenbah,5.95,steady,2:00 pm Tue 24/03/26 Culgoa River at Woolerbilla,2.92,steady,2:00 pm Tue 24/03/26 Balonne River at Dirranbandi,4.71,steady,8:00 am Tue 24/03/26 Narran River at Dirranbandi-Hebel Road,4.24,steady,2:00 pm Tue 24/03/26 Bokhara River at Hebel,-0.06,steady,2:00 pm Tue 24/03/26 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.