Major Flood Warning Issued for Daly River: Record Levels Expected at Police Station

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDD20545) for the Daly River. This is the 16th warning issued for this event, indicating significant and prolonged major flooding is occurring.

Affected Areas

The primary impact zone includes the Daly River at the Daly River Police Station and the Lower Daly River region in the Northern Territory. Major flooding is also noted at Beeboom Crossing and Mount Nancar.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are urged to prioritize safety with the following actions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is extremely dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Significant major flooding is occurring at the Daly River Police Station. The river level is forecast to exceed 15.50 meters on Wednesday afternoon, which is higher than the historic 1957 flood level of 15.19 meters. Current levels are already above the February 2026 flood mark of 14.26 meters.

Upstream flows are expected to bring further rises. Recent river height observations include:

• Daly River at Dorisvale Crossing: 23.91 m (Steady as of 10:45 am Wednesday)
• Douglas River at Douglas Crossing: 5.84 m (Rising as of 10:30 am Wednesday)
• Daly River at Beeboom Crossing: 18.06 m (Rising as of 11:30 pm Monday)
• Daly River at Mount Nancar: 18.18 m (Rising as of 11:00 am Tuesday)

Further rainfall is possible over the coming days, which may exacerbate existing river levels.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:55 am ACST on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. An extended peak and a significant period of major flooding are expected to persist through the weekend and into next week. The next official update is scheduled for 5:00 PM ACST on Wednesday.