Flood Watch Issued for North-Eastern and Central South Australia as Heavy Rain Approaches

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDS20374) for parts of north-eastern and central South Australia. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to an approaching weather system. The alert was issued at 12:34 pm ACDT on Saturday, 21 February 2026.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are likely to be affected by this weather event:

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

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area 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 to avoid 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 situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A trough over northern South Australia, connected to a deepening tropical low over the south of the Northern Territory, will combine with a very humid and unstable airmass. This system is expected to produce widespread heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Significant accumulated rainfall is anticipated, which will likely lead to river and creek level rises, localised flooding, and overland inundation. These conditions are expected to significantly affect road access across the region.

Timeline

The risk of local heavy falls will develop starting Sunday, 22 February 2026, for much of the state. From Monday, the focus of the heavy falls and flooding is likely to shift toward the Pastoral districts closer to the tropical low. The weather event is expected to persist through at least mid-next week. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 1:00 PM ACDT on Sunday, 22 February 2026.