Flood Watch Issued for Far North West New South Wales as Heavy Rain Approaches

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 2 for parts of the far north west of New South Wales. This alert provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments due to a deepening trough and a slow-moving tropical low.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and districts are likely to be affected:

• Paroo River (NSW)
• Darling River
• Mount Gunderbooka to Wokabity Lake
• Bynguano-Lower Barrier Ranges
• Danggali Rivers and Creeks
• Cooper Creek
• Lake Frome
• Bulla-Bancannia District

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are advised to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead 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

An extremely humid airmass associated with a tropical low over the southern Northern Territory is extending a trough into New South Wales. This system is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall with localized intense falls possible over the next few days. While catchments are currently relatively dry, they are expected to respond to the significant accumulated rainfall. Isolated river and creek level rises, localized flooding, and overland inundation are anticipated. River levels along the Barwon-Darling River are currently expected to remain below minor flood levels, though localized flooding remains possible.

Timeline

The Flood Watch is effective as of Tuesday, 24 February 2026. Conditions are expected to impact road access and river levels over the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 1:00 PM AEDT on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.