Flood Watch Issued for Barkly, Georgina River, and Eyre Creek in NT and QLD

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an initial Flood Watch (IDD20590) for parts of the Eastern and Central Inland Areas of the Northern Territory and Queensland. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments.

Affected Areas

The watch area includes the following catchments:

• Georgina River and Eyre Creek
• Barkly (specifically southern areas)

Geographic impact spans parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland, particularly affecting road access and potentially isolating some communities.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to:

• Avoid floodwater: Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay clear of waterways: Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Heed road signs: Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded routes.
• Stay informed: Monitor the ABC and local media for updates. For local emergency management advice, visit www.securent.nt.gov.au.
• Emergency Contacts: For assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A trough currently sitting over central parts of the Northern Territory is building moisture across central and southern districts. A low-pressure system is expected to develop within this trough over the coming days, bringing thunderstorms and widespread rainfall. With catchments already wet, river and creek level rises, localized flooding, and overland inundation are possible. Isolated heavier falls may exacerbate these conditions.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:21 pm ACST on Thursday, February 19, 2026. River level rises and flooding are expected to begin as early as Saturday. This Flood Watch is effective through at least Friday, February 20, 2026, with the next update scheduled for 12:30 PM ACST on that day.