Flood Watch Issued for Far North West New South Wales Catchments Through Early Next Week

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDN36503) for several catchments in the far north west of New South Wales. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding due to a slow-moving low pressure system and associated trough extending across the region.

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

Residents and travelers 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 ahead to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving low pressure system over central Australia is extending a trough across western and southern New South Wales. This system is expected to deliver widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall. Because catchments are already wet from rainfall over the last few days, they are expected to respond quickly to additional precipitation. Expected impacts include isolated river and creek level rises, localised flooding, and overland inundation. These conditions are likely to affect road access, and some communities may become isolated.

Timeline

The Flood Watch was issued at 12:51 pm AEDT on Friday, February 27, 2026. Heavy rainfall is expected to persist through Friday and into early next week. River levels along the Barwon-Darling River are currently expected to remain below minor flood levels, though localised flooding remains possible. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled for 1:00 pm AEDT on Saturday, February 28, 2026.