Flood Watch Issued for North Kimberley Rivers as Localised Flooding Continues

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDW39605) for the North Kimberley region. This alert, issued at 11:46 am AWST on Saturday, March 7, 2026, serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments.

Affected Areas

The primary area under this watch includes the North Kimberley Rivers in Western Australia. While previous alerts included the East Kimberley, flooding is no longer expected in that catchment. Separate flood warnings remain current for the Fitzroy catchment.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas should take the following safety precautions:

• Do not 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 routes.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as some communities and homesteads may become isolated.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A monsoon trough remains situated over the North Kimberley, accompanied by a weak tropical low over the Northern Territory. Following a week of moderate to heavy rainfall, catchments are currently saturated, and localised flooding is already occurring. While widespread showers are forecast to ease starting late Saturday and into Sunday, isolated embedded heavy falls remain possible along the North Kimberley coast until Sunday night. These conditions may lead to renewed river and creek level rises, as well as prolonged overland flooding and ponding.

Timeline

The Flood Watch is currently active and is expected to remain in effect through at least Sunday night, March 8, 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 1:00 PM AWST on Sunday, March 8.