Flood Watch Issued for North-Eastern and Central South Australia Amid Significant Rainfall

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 7 for parts of north-eastern and central South Australia. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a slow-moving low pressure system and an interacting trough.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected:

• Cooper Creek
• Danggali Rivers and Creeks
• Finke River and Stephenson Creek
• Flinders Ranges Rivers and Creeks
• Lake Eyre
• Lake Frome
• Lake Gairdner
• North West Lake Torrens
• Simpson Desert
• Warburton River

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers 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 many bitumen and dirt outback roads are currently impacted.
• 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 the southern Northern Territory is forecast to produce widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, with locally intense falls possible. Accumulated rainfall totals are expected to be significant. The highest totals are currently forecast for the North East Pastoral district, with rain extending southwards late in the week and over the weekend.

Current impacts include river and creek level rises, localised flooding, and overland inundation. The east-west railway line is currently closed to the north-west of Port Augusta, and some communities have become isolated due to road conditions.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:25 pm ACDT on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Flooding is expected to continue and potentially become more extensive over the next few days. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm ACDT on Thursday, February 26, 2026.