Flood Watch Issued for Far Western New South Wales Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 6 for parts of far western New South Wales. This alert (IDN36503) serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a slow-moving low pressure system extending a trough across the region.

Affected Areas

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

• Paroo River (Minor flood warning currently in effect)
• Darling River (Localised)
• Bulla-Bancannia District
• Bynguano-Lower Barrier Ranges
• Cooper Creek
• Danggali Rivers and Creeks
• Lake Frome
• Mount Gunderbooka to Wokabity Lake

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 ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as some communities may become isolated.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, 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. Widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall is possible. Catchments are already wet from heavy rainfall during the last few days and are expected to respond quickly to further precipitation. Isolated river and creek level rises, localised flooding, and overland inundation are already occurring in parts of the watch area. While river levels along the Barwon-Darling River are expected to remain below minor flood levels, localised flooding remains a threat.

Timeline

The potential for renewed widespread rainfall begins Sunday, March 1, and continues through Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The heavy falls are expected to shift toward the southern inland on Tuesday. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 1:00 PM AEDT on Sunday, March 1, 2026.