Final Flood Watch Issued for South Australia Outback Regions as Impacts Ease

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a final Flood Watch (IDS20374) for several catchments across South Australia and neighboring regions. While the immediate threat from rainfall is easing, flood impacts are expected to continue as water moves through the landscape.

Affected Areas

The flood watch area includes the following catchments:

• Cooper Creek
• Warburton River
• Danggali Rivers and Creeks
• Flinders Ranges Rivers and Creeks
• Lake Eyre
• Lake Frome
• Simpson Desert

Specific flood warnings remain current for the Warburton River and Cooper Creek. Flooding is no longer expected in the Danggali, Flinders Ranges, Lake Eyre, and Simpson Desert catchments.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to:

• Avoid driving, walking, swimming, or playing in floodwaters as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Check the SASES Current Warning List for road conditions and ongoing flood messaging before traveling.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Rainfall has cleared across the region, and no further significant rainfall is forecast for the next few days. However, floodwaters remain in the landscape and are flowing through watercourses that are typically dry. This is causing ongoing localised flooding and overland inundation. Many bitumen and dirt outback roads remain closed, and some communities are currently isolated.

Timeline

This alert was issued at 1:02 pm ACDT on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. It is the final Flood Watch for this event, and no further watches are expected to be issued.