Flood Watch Issued for Top End Catchments in Northern Territory

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDD20595) for parts of the Top End in the Northern Territory. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a tropical low expected to dissipate within a broad trough persisting over the region.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected by rising water levels:

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

What You Should Do

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

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater, as it is dangerous and conditions can change quickly.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and check road conditions before attempting to travel.
• Plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads; some communities and homesteads may become isolated.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low is forecast to bring moderate to heavy rainfall across the flood watch area, with the heaviest falls most likely occurring across the North West Coastal Rivers. Because catchments are already saturated from recent rainfall, additional precipitation is expected to produce renewed river level rises or prolong current flooding. This may result in significant water level rises in rivers and creeks, as well as prolonged overland flooding and ponding.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:26 am ACST on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The situation is being monitored closely, and the next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm ACST on Monday, March 9, 2026.