Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Flood Warning For The Inland Rivers Sa Issued at 03:44 PM ACDT on Tuesday 17 March 2026 Flood Warning Number: 11 RIVER LEVEL RISES OCCURRING ALONG THE WARBURTON RIVER AT POOTHAPOOTHA FURTHER RIVER LEVEL RISES EXPECTED ALONG THE LOWER COOPER CREEK AROUND INNAMINCKA Heavy rainfall is forecast across the northeast of South Australia during Tuesday and Wednesday, which may result in additional river level rises along the Warburton River and lower Cooper Creek. River level rises are occurring along the Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole as upstream flood waters from the lower Diamantina River arrive, combined with localised rainfall. Along the Diamantina River (QLD) at Birdsville, minor flooding is occurring with further flooding possible. These high flows are likely to continue reaching Poothapootha Waterhole in South Australia over the coming weeks. Creek levels along the lower Cooper Creek around Innamincka are rising slowly, and further rises are expected as flows arrive from upstream in Queensland, where major flooding is occurring along Cooper Creek at Windorah, combined with forecast rainfall. River levels further upstream in Queensland, including the Eyre Creek and Georgina River, remain elevated, and major flooding is occurring. Further river level rises and high flows are possible along the Warburton River in the coming weeks. Many roads and access tracks are impacted by flooding, in particular river and creek crossings. Transportation and movement of local communities and travellers are likely to be further impacted. Check road conditions before travelling. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall is current for the North East Pastoral District of South Australia. Flood Watch is current for North and North-West South Australia. Queensland flood warnings are current for the Georgina River, Eyre Creek, Diamantina River and Cooper Creek. Warburton: River level rises are occurring along the Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole. Further rises are possible as upstream floodwaters arrive, combined with forecast rainfall. Cooper Creek: Creek levels are elevated along lower Cooper Creek at Cullyamurra Waterhole, where the creek level is around 1.3 m above the Innamincka causeway and rising slowly. Further rises are expected over the coming week as upstream flood waters 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.ses.sa.gov.au/incidents-and-warnings/incidents-and-warnings-map/.} 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 ACDT on Wednesday 18 March 2026. Latest River Heights: Diamantina River at Birdsville,4.49,falling,3:00 pm Tue 17/03/26 Cooper Creek at Cullyamurra Waterhole,3.01,rising,2:30 pm Tue 17/03/26 Cooper Creek at NW Channel Upstream Coongie Lakes,4.61,rising,2:30 pm Tue 17/03/26 Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole,5.21,steady,2:30 pm Tue 17/03/26 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.