Flood Watch Issued for Northern Australia Catchments Across NT, WA, and QLD

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDD20595) for parts of the Bonaparte, North West Coastal, and Carpentaria Coastal River catchments. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within the specified regions due to the development of a tropical low.

Affected Areas

The watch covers an extensive list of catchments across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland, including:

• Western Australia: East Kimberley Rivers.
• Northern Territory: Upper Victoria River, Victoria River below Kalkarindji, Fitzmaurice River, Moyle River, Katherine River, Daly River (above and below Douglas River), Finniss River, Walker River, Waterhouse River (where a flood warning is currently in effect), Roper River, Towns River, Limmen Bight River, Rosie River, McArthur River, Robinson River, and Calvert River.
• Queensland/Border Regions: Settlement Creek.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning 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 check road conditions before traveling, as roads may become impassable and communities or homesteads may become isolated.
• Plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A weak tropical low, designated 31U, has developed in the Gulf of Carpentaria and is expected to move slowly westwards over the Top End. Heavy rainfall associated with 31U is most likely on the western side of the low. This rainfall will transition from coastal areas near the southeast Top End and Carpentaria Districts into parts of the Darwin, Adelaide River, Daly, and coastal Gregory Districts into the weekend. As catchments are already wet from recent rainfall, significant water level rises in rivers and creeks are expected, alongside prolonged overland flooding and ponding.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:46 am ACST on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The weather system is expected to impact the region through the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 1:00 PM ACST on Friday, March 6, 2026.