Flood Watch Issued for Central and Eastern Inland Northern Territory and Queensland

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 provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments due to a slow-moving weather system.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are included in the Flood Watch area:

• Northern Territory/Queensland: Georgina River and Eyre Creek
• Northern Territory/South Australia: Finke River and Stephenson Creek, Simpson Desert
• Northern Territory: MacDonnell Ranges, Central Desert, and southern areas of the Barkly District

What You Should Do

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

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

Expected Conditions

A broad trough extending over central parts of the Northern Territory, combined with a deepening low over the southeast Barkly District, is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall. Isolated heavier falls are likely as the system remains slow-moving. Significant accumulated rainfall will result in river and creek level rises, localized flooding, and overland inundation. Catchments are already wet and are expected to respond quickly to further precipitation.

Timeline

The Flood Watch is effective as of Saturday, February 21, 2026. River and creek rises are expected to begin Saturday in the Barkly and Georgina River catchments. In the MacDonnell Ranges, Finke River, Stephenson Creek, Simpson Desert, and Central Desert catchments, flooding is possible starting Monday, February 23. The situation is expected to persist into early next week.