IDN36634
Australian Government Bureau of MeteorologyMinor to Major Flood Warning for the Barwon and Darling Rivers
at Brewarrina, Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Menindee, Pooncarie and Burtundy
Issued at 2:09 pm EDT on Wednesday 7 December 2022
Flood Warning Number: 122
MAJOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT BOURKE, LOUTH, TILPA AND WILCANNIA
MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT BURTUNDY
Rainfall over recent weeks and months has caused prolonged flooding along the Barwon and Darling Rivers with flood peaks flowing into the Barwon-Darling River System from multiple tributaries.
Along the Barwon River, moderate flooding is occurring at Brewarrina. Further downstream, flows along the Darling River combined with flows from the Macquarie, Bogan and Culgoa Rivers have caused major flooding at Bourke, Louth and Tilpa, where river levels higher than the 1998 flood level are occurring at Louth and Tilpa. The main flood peak along the Darling River is approaching Tilpa.
At Wilcannia, major flooding is occurring with river levels higher than the 1998 flood possible from 19-23 December.
Moderate flooding is likely to continue at Menindee over the coming weeks, with river levels likely to remain near 9.60 metres through to mid January. Flood operations are being conducted by WaterNSW at Menindee Weir. Subject to inflow conditions the release levels may be extended further or increased which may lead to further rises at Menindee Town. The release plan follows consultation with the SES and local communities.
The situation is being closely monitored and predictions will continue to be revised as required and as upstream peaks are observed.
Barwon River downstream of Walgett to Brewarrina:
Moderate flooding is occurring along the Barwon River at Brewarrina.
The Barwon River at Brewarrina is currently at 8.91 metres and falling, with moderate flooding.
Barwon and Darling Rivers downstream of Brewarrina to Bourke:
Major flooding is occurring along the Darling River at Bourke.
The Darling River at Bourke is currently at 13.51 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding.
Darling River downstream of Bourke to Tilpa:
Major flooding is occurring along the Darling River at Louth and Tilpa.
The Darling River at Louth peaked around 13.42 metres Friday 02 December and is currently at 13.34 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding.
The Darling River at Tilpa is at a peak near 13.10 metres, with major flooding.
Darling River downstream of Tilpa to Wilcannia:
Major flooding is occurring along the Darling River at Wilcannia.
The Darling River at Wilcannia may peak near 11.00 metres from 19-23 December, with major flooding.
Darling River downstream of Wilcannia to Burtundy:
Moderate flooding is occurring along the Darling River at Menindee. Minor flooding is occurring at Pooncarie. Minor flooding is occurring at Burtundy, with major flooding possible.
The Darling River at Menindee Town is currently at 9.59 metres and steady, with moderate flooding. The Darling River at Menindee Town is likely to remain around 9.60 metres until at least mid January, with moderate flooding.
The Darling River at Pooncarie may reach around 7.40 metres early next week (12 - 14 December), with minor flooding.
The Darling River at Burtundy may reach near the major flood level (7.70 metres) around late December.
Flood Safety Advice:
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- * Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
- * Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
- * Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
- * Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:
* NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
* RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com
* Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/outerwest.shtml
* Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
* Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
* BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW
Next Issue:
The next warning will be issued by 03:00 pm EDT on Friday 09 December 2022.
Latest River Heights:
| Location | Height of River (m) | Tendency | Date/Time of Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barwon River at Mungindi | 3.61 | Steady | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Barwon River at Mogil Mogil | 2.45 | Steady | 12:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Barwon River at Collarenebri | 2.16 | Steady | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Barwon River at Walgett | 9.46 | Falling | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Barwon River at Brewarrina | 8.91 | Falling | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Darling River at Bourke | 13.51 | Falling | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Darling River at Louth | 13.34 | Steady | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Darling River at Tilpa | 13.04 | Steady | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Darling River at Wilcannia | 10.50 | Rising | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Darling River at Menindee Town | 9.59 | Steady | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Darling River at Menindee Weir 32 | 7.04 | Steady | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Darling River at Pooncarie | 7.22 | Rising | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
| Darling River at Burtundy | 7.16 | Steady | 01:00 PM WED 07/12/22 |
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts.