Flood Watch Issued for South Australia as Heavy Rain Threatens Multiple Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDS20374) for extensive parts of South Australia. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments as a slow-moving low-pressure system continues to impact the region.

Affected Areas

The watch covers a vast geographic area including:

• Metropolitan and Central: Adelaide region, Torrens and metropolitan rivers and creeks, Onkaparinga River, Gawler River, and the Mount Lofty Ranges.
• Regional and Coastal: Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Eastern and Lower Eyre Peninsula, and the Limestone and Millicent Coast.
• Inland and Outback: Flinders Ranges, Lake Eyre, Lake Frome, Lake Gairdner, Cooper Creek, Simpson Desert, Warburton River, and the West Coast Rivers and Creeks.
• River Systems: River Murray in SA, Angas and Bremer Rivers, Light and Wakefield Rivers, and the Broughton River.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning areas are advised to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded routes.
• Check current road conditions before attempting any travel, as many bitumen and dirt outback roads are currently impacted, and some communities are already isolated.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving low-pressure system over the southern Northern Territory is extending a trough into northeast South Australia. This system is forecast to produce widespread moderate to heavy rainfall. Accumulated rainfall totals are expected to be significant, leading to river and creek level rises, localized flooding, and overland inundation. Major roads in the region are currently closed due to existing flood impacts.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:55 pm ACDT on Friday, February 27, 2026. Flooding is currently occurring in parts of the north-eastern and central catchments. Further flooding is possible over the next few days for the Mid North, North West Pastoral, South East districts, and Mount Lofty Ranges. The highest rainfall totals for the Adelaide region and Mount Lofty Ranges are expected to begin Sunday.