Flood Watch Issued for Far North West New South Wales as Heavy Rainfall Threatens Isolation

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDN36503) for parts of the far north west of New South Wales. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to an approaching weather system. This is the fourth flood watch issued for this event.

Affected Areas

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

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

What You Should Do

Authorities advise residents and travelers to never drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is extremely 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 some communities may become isolated. For emergency assistance, call the NSW SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, dial 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A near-stationary tropical low carrying an extremely humid airmass is currently positioned over the southeastern Northern Territory. This system is forecast to deliver widespread heavy rainfall across the watch area starting Thursday, with localized intense falls possible. As catchments are already saturated from rainfall over the last few days, they are expected to respond quickly to further significant accumulated rainfall. This may lead to isolated river and creek rises, localized flooding, and overland inundation. While river levels along the Barwon-Darling River are currently expected to remain below minor flood levels, localized flooding remains a risk.

Timeline

The Flood Watch was issued at 12:43 pm AEDT on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Conditions are expected to affect road access and community connectivity in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology plans to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AEDT on Friday, February 27, 2026.