⚠️ Advice: Willara Crossing and Wanaaring flooding ⚠️

The NSW SES advises people in Willara Crossing and Wanaaring to stay informed about predicted Minor to Moderate flooding on the Paroo River:

You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

What are we expecting?

The Bureau of Meteorology advises Moderate to locally heavy rainfall has been observed across the Paroo River catchment in Queensland over the past week. This rainfall has resulted in areas of significant major flooding along the Paroo River in Queensland.

As these floodwaters arrive from the Paroo River in Queensland, significant flooding similar to the 2010 flood is possible at Willara Crossing from around Sunday 6 April, where minor flooding is currently occurring. 

Major flooding is possible at Wanaaring early in the week commencing Sunday 6 April, with further rises to the 2010 flood level possible.

No significant rainfall is expected over the next couple of days. Further rainfall is forecast from the middle of the week and this rainfall is likely to prolong the flood peaks currently moving through the Paroo River system.

Forecasts will be refined as upstream peaks are observed in Queensland.

There is major flood warning current for the Paroo River (QLD).

The situation is being closely monitored and this warning will be updated as required.

Paroo River (NSW):

Major flooding may occur along the Paroo River (NSW) at Wanaaring. Minor flooding is occurring at Willara Crossing.

The Paroo River at Willara Crossing is currently at 1.64 metres and rising, above the minor flood level (0.70 m). The Paroo River at Willara Crossing may reach around 4.30 metres from around Sunday April 6, similar to the 2010 flood level (4.34 metres). Further rises are possible, peak predictions will be provided once upstream peaks have been observed.

No latest observations are available at Wanaaring. Based on the upstream gauge, the river level is currently expected to be below the minor flood level (2.40 m). The Paroo River at Wanaaring is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.40 m) from Tuesday. The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (3.30 metres) towards the end of the week and may exceed the major flood level from the second week of April. The river may reach levels similar to the 2010 flood, further rises are possible. Peak predictions will be provided once upstream peaks have been observed.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:

• Low lying areas adjacent to and along the river.
• Low-lying roads and bridges
• Low-lying farming and rural areas
• Any unsealed roads

View the full warning: https://hazardwatch.gov.au/a/TUl3AX

Download the Hazards Near Me App and set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive warnings in real time. https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

For emergency assistance during a flood or storms call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).