Major Flood Warning Issued for Daly River as Water Levels Rise Toward Major Flood Stage

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an Initial Major Flood Warning (IDD20545) for the Daly River. The alert was issued at 7:18 am ACST on Friday, 6 March 2026, following moderate to heavy rainfall across the catchment area since Wednesday.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following regions in the Northern Territory:

• Daly River at Daly River Police Station
• Daly River above Douglas River
• Fergusson River and tributaries
• Lower Daly River

River rises are currently occurring in the upper Daly River, and levels are rising rapidly along the Fergusson River.

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 extremely dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall observed on Thursday and into Friday has resulted in significant river level rises. At 6:45 am Friday, the Daly River at Daly River Police Station was recorded at 11.43 m and rising.

Forecasted river levels for the Daly River Police Station include:

• Minor Flood Level (12.60 m): Likely to be exceeded Saturday morning.
• Moderate Flood Level (13.10 m): Likely to be exceeded early Sunday morning.
• Major Flood Level (14.00 m): Possible early next week.

Other notable river heights as of Friday morning include 18.36 m at Dorisvale Crossing and 13.23 m at Beeboom Crossing, both of which are rising.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately, with river rises expected to continue for at least the next few days. Moderate flooding is likely from overnight Sunday into Monday, with major flooding possible early next week. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next warning update by 2:00 PM ACST on Friday, 6 March 2026.