Flood Watch Issued for Top End, Central, and Western Inland Areas of NT and WA

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 15 for parts of the Top End, Central, and Western Inland areas. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding across multiple catchments in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Several rivers within the watch area are already under specific flood warnings, ranging from minor to major severity.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are included in the flood watch:

• East Kimberley Rivers
• Upper Victoria River and Victoria River below Kalkarindji
• Fitzmaurice River and Moyle River
• Katherine River (Minor flood warning current)
• Daly River above Douglas River (Flood warning current)
• Lower Daly River (Major flood warning current)
• Waterhouse River (Moderate flood warning current)
• Roper River (Flood warning current)
• Sturt Creek District
• Western Desert, Central Desert, and Tanami Desert

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised not to drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwaters 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 routes. For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately. Monitor local media and the ABC for updates, and check road conditions before traveling as some communities may become isolated.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low situated over the Top End of the Northern Territory is forecast to drift slowly southwest over the coming days. This system is expected to deliver widespread and locally heavy rainfall. Because catchments are already wet from recent rain, the forecast precipitation may cause significant water level rises in rivers and creeks. Prolonged overland flooding and ponding are expected, which may make roads impassable and isolate some homesteads.

Timeline

The flood watch was issued at 12:17 pm ACST on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Heavy rainfall is expected to impact the eastern Kimberley and Sturt Creek District starting Friday, extending into Central and Western Inland areas over the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 pm ACST on Friday, March 13, 2026.