REFERENCED DOCUMENT Flood Emergency Management Plan - MCU13/0064

FLOOD WARNING
in
QUEENSLAND
This brochure describes the flood warning system operated by the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology throughout
Queensland. It assists individuals and agencies responsible for managing and responding to flood disasters to understand the
flood warning system. More details are given in specific information brochures describing the warning system for each River
Basin.




                                                        Contained in this document is information about:
                                                        (Last updated May 2011)

                                                                Flood Warning
                                                                Roles & Responsibilities
                                                                Flood Classifications
                                                                Flood Warning Operations
                                                                Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins
                                                                River Basin Information
                                                                Further Information

The Balonne River in flood at Surat,
Queensland. January 1996.
Photo courtesy of Wimera Aviation.


Flood Warning

Flood warning is an integral component of counter disaster arrangements for a community at risk from
flooding.

The aim of the warning system is to minimise loss of life and property damage by warning people of the
likelihood and size of a flood so that they may evacuate, shift property or stock to higher ground, or implement
other temporary flood loss reduction measures.

Warnings are of limited value unless they are delivered in a timely and effective manner and property owners
and residents in the flood-threatened area believe the warning and take appropriate action in advance of being
flooded.