Flood Watch Issued for Top End Catchments in Northern Territory; Major Flooding Ongoing

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 12 for parts of the Top End in the Northern Territory. This alert provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments and follows ongoing flooding in several areas. The alert was issued at 12:21 pm ACST on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected:

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

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.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and 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 or homesteads may become isolated.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A trough remains over the Top End with a weak circulation located over the Arnhem district. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across the watch area, with the heaviest falls likely occurring across the North West Coastal Rivers. Isolated heavy falls are possible during thunderstorms through Monday and Tuesday. Because catchments are already saturated from recent rainfall, these conditions may produce renewed river level rises or prolong current flooding. Significant water level rises in rivers and creeks, as well as prolonged overland flooding and ponding, are anticipated.

Timeline

The Flood Watch was issued at 12:21 pm ACST on Monday, March 9, 2026. The situation is being monitored, and the next update is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm ACST on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.