Flood Watch Issued for East Kimberley and Northern Territory River Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDD20595) for parts of the Bonaparte and North West Coastal River catchments. This alert provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments across Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected:

• Western Australia: East Kimberley Rivers
• Northern Territory: Victoria River below Kalkarindji, Fitzmaurice River, Moyle River, Lower Daly River (localised flooding), and Finniss River.
• Current Warnings: Flood Warnings are already in effect for the Upper Victoria catchment.

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 travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as roads may become impassable and communities or homesteads may become isolated.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A monsoon trough is developing across northern Australia, accompanied by a tropical low (30U) moving slowly towards the west coast. With catchments already wet from recent rainfall, frequent showers and thunderstorms are expected. Heavy falls may cause significant water level rises in rivers and creeks, as well as prolonged overland flooding and ponding.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:40 pm ACST on Monday, 2 March 2026. The situation is being monitored, and the next update is scheduled to be issued by 2:30 PM ACST on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.