Flood Watch Issued for Barkly, Central Desert, and Simpson Desert Regions

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDD20590) for parts of the Eastern, Central, and Western inland areas of the Northern Territory and parts of Queensland. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a slow-moving tropical low.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are expected to be affected:

• Georgina River and Eyre Creek
• Finke River and Stephenson Creek
• MacDonnell Ranges (eastern areas)
• Simpson Desert
• Central Desert
• Tanami Desert (eastern areas)
• Barkly (southern areas)

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwaters as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates. The situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as many roads are currently impacted by flooding, causing isolation of some communities.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving tropical low situated over the southeast Simpson District is drawing in rich tropical moisture, creating a risk of heavy rainfall. Because catchments are already wet from significant rainfall over the last few days, they are expected to respond quickly to further precipitation. Expected hazards include:

• Significant river and creek level rises.
• Localised flooding and overland inundation, which are likely to become more extensive.
• Isolation of communities due to impacted road conditions.
• Adverse effects on the welfare of livestock.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:48 pm ACST on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. Further flooding is expected over the next few days, particularly in the Simpson Desert, Georgina and Eyre Creek, and the MacDonnell Ranges where the heaviest rainfall is forecast. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 1:30 pm ACST on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.