Flood Watch Issued for Central and Eastern Inland Northern Territory as Tropical Low Brings Heavy Rain

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 9 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 likely to be affected:

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

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 other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded routes.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as many roads are currently impacted and some communities are isolated.
• Monitor the welfare of livestock, as conditions are likely to be adverse.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving tropical low situated over the far southeast of the Northern Territory is expected to drift north and west over the Simpson District through Thursday and Friday. This system is carrying rich tropical moisture, bringing a continued 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. River and creek level rises, localized flooding, and overland inundation are already occurring across parts of the watch area.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:30 pm ACST on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Further flooding is expected over the next few days, particularly in the Simpson Desert and parts of the Georgina and Eyre Creek where the heaviest rainfall is forecast. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 01:30 PM ACST on Friday, 27 February 2026.