Flood Watch Issued for Northern Territory and Western Australia as Tropical Low 31U Brings Heavy Rain

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (Update Number 10) for parts of the Bonaparte, North West Coastal, and Carpentaria Coastal River catchments. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to the influence of Tropical Low 31U.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are currently included in the Flood Watch area:

• Victoria River below Kalkarindji
• Fitzmaurice River
• Moyle River
• Katherine River (Major flood warning currently in effect)
• Daly River above Douglas River (Major flood warning currently in effect)
• Lower Daly River
• Finniss River
• Upper Adelaide River
• Adelaide River below Adelaide River Town
• Waterhouse River (Major flood warning currently in effect)
• Roper River (Flood warning currently in effect)

Flooding is no longer expected in the East Kimberley, Upper Victoria, Walker, Towns, Limmen Bight, Rosie, McArthur, Robinson, Calvert, and Settlement catchments.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater, as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as roads may become impassable and communities may become isolated.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for further updates.

Expected Conditions

Tropical Low 31U is currently located in the Arnhem District and is expected to weaken into a trough across the Top End over the weekend. The interaction of lows and the trough is bringing heavy rainfall to catchments that are already wet from recent activity. Widespread heavy rainfall has been recorded across the Daly, Roper, and Adelaide River catchments in the 48 hours leading up to Saturday morning. This rainfall is causing rapid river level rises, significant flooding, and prolonged overland ponding.

Timeline

This alert was issued at 12:23 pm ACST on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The situation is changing quickly, and the next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm ACST on Sunday, March 8, 2026.