Western Downs floods: Warnings issued as Condamine River, Charleys Creek rise

Experts have issued a warning for the region, as heavy rain flows into the Condamine River and Charleys Creek just months after the last major weather event. See the most recent weather warnings and full list of road closures here:

Flood warnings have been issued to residents in Chinchilla and surrounding towns as heavy rainfall over the past few days threatens to push the Condamine River to major flooding at Chinchilla Weir.

The Bureau of Meteorology released a major flood warning at Chinchilla Weir for Tuesday due to heavy rainfall across the Condamine and Balonne River catchments.

The weir is currently at 7.97m, which will likely rise to eight meters throughout Monday causing minor flooding, and potentially rising to 10m by Tuesday.

Minor flooding is also occurring at Charleys Creek, which has remained at a steady at 4.57m.

BOM Meteorologist Helen Kirkup said Chinchilla experienced very little rainfall overnight, however heavy rainfall from surrounding areas to the northeast of the region have flowed into the Western Downs.

“With no more rainfall today it won’t change too much, but another system is coming through on Wednesday or Thursday,” Ms Kirkup said.

“Hopefully the system will make its way across the region and sit at the coast, but there is some chance we could see more rainfall through the region and renewed flooding.”

SEE ALL LISTED ROAD CLOSURES BELOW

An emergency alert was issued for Dalby on Monday morning, warning the creek was expected to reach above moderate flooding levels this afternoon.

The alert warned residents river level rises are expected to continue throughout Monday and residents should be alert and prepared.

“Residents in low-lying areas should warn neighbours, secure property and belongings and prepare to move to higher ground,” the warning said.

Western Downs Regional Council said it was expected the creek would reach a flood level of 3m, which would mean some inundation of properties in low-lying areas.