Flood Watch Issued for Barkly, MacDonnell Ranges, and Central Inland Northern Territory

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 Queensland. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a developing weather system.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are included in the watch area:

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

The alert covers regions across the Northern Territory and Queensland, with a concurrent Flood Watch active in South Australia for the Finke River, Stephenson Creek, and Simpson Desert.

What You Should Do

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

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater, as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan routes to avoid flooded roads.
• Check road conditions before attempting any travel, as some communities may become isolated.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A trough currently sits over central parts of the Northern Territory, with a slow-moving low pressure system developing over the southeast Barkly District. This system is expected to bring thunderstorms and widespread significant heavy rainfall across the watch area, with the risk of isolated heavier falls.

Because catchments are already wet, the accumulated rainfall is expected to be significant. This will likely result in river and creek level rises, localised flooding, and overland inundation. These conditions are expected to impact road access and may isolate certain communities.

Timeline

River level rises and flooding are expected to begin on Saturday and continue into early next week. The current alert was issued at 12:40 PM ACST on Friday, 20 February 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to provide the next update by 12:30 PM ACST on Saturday, 21 February 2026.