Warwick rain: Condamine River ‘likely to exceed’ moderate flood levels overnight

Dozens of roads across the region have been closed due to flash flooding as heavy rain continues to batter Warwick and its surrounds, with huge totals likely to push the Condamine River above flood levels. FULL UPDATE:

Jessica Paul

3 min read

December 1, 2021 - 11:05AM

Park St at Queens Park, underwater during Warwick floods, March 31, 2017.

Warwick

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Warwick residents are being urged to prepare for the Condamine River to flood as heavy rainfall continues to slam the region.

In an update issued in the early hours of Wednesday, the weather bureau said major flooding was possible for the Chinchilla Weir and Pratten, while moderate flooding was likely for Chinchilla (Charleys Creek) and from Warwick to Cotsworld during Wednesday.

“Multiple flood peaks from separate rainfall events over the last few weeks continue to move through the Condamine-Balonne River system with further renewed rises occurring from recent rainfall,” the flood warning said.

“Further river level rises are possible throughout the catchment from any additional showers and thunderstorms over the next few days.”

In the Condamine river, 50-85 mm of rainfall has fallen since 9am Tuesday causing renewed rises particularly in the upper Condamine River and around Charleys Creek.

Further rainfall is forecast for this region during Wednesday which may cause additional rises.

The Condamine River at Warwick was at 5.81 metres and rising.

“The Condamine River at Warwick is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (6.00m) early Wednesday morning.

Major flooding is likely along the Condamine River downstream of Warwick to Loudoun Bridge.

The Condamine River at Pratten is likely to exceed the major flood level (7.20m) during Wednesday afternoon, based on observed upstream river levels at Murrays Bridge and Warwick.

The Condamine River at Tummaville was at 5.69 metres and rising. The bureau said it may exceed the moderate flood level (8.00m) during Wednesday.

GALLERY: Warwick floods as Condamine River peaks at 6m+

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The Condamine River at Cecil Plains was at 6.20 metres and rising. It may exceed the moderate flood level (7.00m) during Wednesday.

Minor flooding is occurring along the Myall Creek at Dalby. It was at 2.20 metres (above the minor flood level of 2.00 metres) and rising.

It was expected to peak below the moderate flood level (3.00m) during Wednesday.

The advice said major flooding may occur along the Condamine River downstream of Loudoun Bridge to Cotswold.

The Condamine River at Ranges Bridges was last observed at 5.70 metres at 12:10pm Tuesday, and is expected to be rising slowly around the minor flood level (6.00 metres).

The Condamine River at Chinchilla Weir was at 9.10 metres (above the moderate flood level of 8.00 metres) and steady.

The Condamine River at Chinchilla Weir may exceed the major flood level (10.00m) during Wednesday.

“No river level observations are available on the Condamine River at Condamine Township, but the river level is expected to be near the moderate flood level (7.00m) and rising.”

Warwick was inundated in March when the river peaked at 6.66m following about 170mm of rain in just two days.

BOM data has recorded 53mm of rainfall in Warwick since 9am on Tuesday, and the Environdata gauge on Percy Street an even higher total of 64.4mm.

Predicted inundation in Warwick if the Condamine River exceeds its moderate flood level of 6m. Picture SDRC

Spring Creek Road has scored the highest total so far at 68mm, followed by Cherrabah at 55mm and 49mm at Queen Mary Falls.

Southern Downs Regional Council remains at the ‘alert’ level as flash flooding closes dozens of roads across the already-saturated region.

“The community is reminded to be prepared, vigilant, and alert. Be aware that creeks are still rising and conditions can change quickly,” a council spokeswoman said.

A moderate flood warning has also been issued to Leyburn residents, with SDRC and the Rural Fire Brigade door knocking to warn affected properties, and the Condamine River at Pratten is predicted to rise past the minor flood level of 5.5m.

The Condamine River in Warwick was already swollen after a month of huge rainfall.

Leslie Dam has shot up to 84.79 per cent capacity and both Connolly Dam and Storm King Dam are brimming at 100 per cent capacity.

Call the SES on 132 500 for emergency assistance or triple-zero for life-threatening situations.

Residents have reported flash flooding across Bracker Road in Warwick and Leslie Dam Road, Warner Street, and Glen Road at Leslie Dam, but these are yet to be confirmed by the council.

The SDRC Disaster Dashboard currently advises motorists to proceed through caution at the Percy Street underpass.

All flood-damaged roads should be reported to SDRC as soon as possible via the My SDRC App.

See the full list of current road closures here:

Churchill Drive, Warwick

Coe Street, Warwick

Mangan Street, Warwick

Homestead Road, Rosenthal Heights

Andersons Crossing Road, Loch Lomond

Warwick Killarney Road

Warwick Yangan Road, Swan Creek

Jack Smith Gully Road, Swan Creek

Condamine River Road, The Head