Entire settlements submerged as historic floods batter Queensland, Australia
Heavy rains beginning on March 23, 2025, have caused historic flooding across Queensland, Australia, with the town of Stonehenge submerged after the Thomson River exceeded the 1974 flood levels on March 27. Major flood warnings remain in effect as several rivers continue to rise dangerously.
Stonehenge Australia floods on March 26, 2025. Image credit: Stonehenge Bushman's Carnival
The Thomson River at Stonehenge rose to 7.4 m (24.2 feet) at approximately 12:00 local time on Thursday, March 27, and continued to rise throughout the afternoon. The river exceeded the major flood level of 5 m (16.4 feet) and the 1974 flood level of 6.88 m (22.6 feet), marking one of the most severe floods in the region’s history.
The Thomson River is forecast to reach up to 8 m (26 feet) on Friday, March 28. Floodwaters are also impacting the town of Judah, located along the river, where levels may exceed 8.5 m (28 feet) on Friday.
Videos shared on social media today showed severe flooding in the town of Stonehenge, which was completely inundated following continuous heavy rainfall. Several areas have recorded over 600 mm (23.6 inches) of rainfall since Sunday, resulting in extensive flooding throughout the state.
Rain continues to fall across extensive areas of the region, cutting off towns and forcing residents to seek higher ground as floodwaters reach unprecedented levels.
The town of Adavale, located north of Quilpie, was inundated overnight, with floodwaters submerging homes, overturning tanks and vehicles, and sweeping away unsecured objects.
On the morning of March 27, an emergency alert was issued for the region, prompting the deployment of swift water rescue teams to Charleville to aid in evacuations. Residents were evacuated to nearby towns, including Quilpie and Charleville.
Major flood warnings have been issued for rivers in western and northern Queensland. In the state’s outback region, the Georgina River, Thomson River, Barcoo River, Bulloo River, and Cooper Creek are all undergoing significant flooding.
The Barcoo River downstream of Isisford continues to rise, having reached 12.68 m (42 feet) on Thursday afternoon, with projections to hit 13.5 m (44 feet) by Friday morning. Major flood warnings are active, as significant flooding has already impacted areas like Wahroongha and Glenlock.
Further north, in locations such as Winton and Windorah, floodwaters have slightly receded. However, rainfall persists and towns remain isolated.
Although significant damage has been reported across the country, with multiple roads, homes, and bridges being completely destroyed, the situation is still developing, making it hard to assess total damages.
A low-pressure trough spanning much of northern and northeastern Australia is drawing in significant moisture, contributing to ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding in the region.
Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue in the coming days, with 100–150 mm (4–6 inches) expected in some areas between Thursday and Friday.
As the system moves eastward, heavy rainfall and flooding are expected to hit New South Wales. Upon exiting Australia’s east coast on Saturday, it could result in very heavy rainfall over major population centers, including Canberra, Brisbane, Grafton, and Sydney.
A low-pressure system is expected to develop as the trough exits the coast, drawing in additional moisture and producing widespread thunderstorms.
The system is forecast to move away from the east coast by Sunday, leading to reduced rainfall and drier conditions across much of inland Queensland during the following week.
References:
1 Major Flood Warning for the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers and Cooper Creek – BOM – March 27, 2025
2 Queensland outback community inundated with heavy rain – 9news – March 27, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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