Major Flood Warning Issued for Daly River: Water Levels Expected to Reach 14.50 Meters
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Daly River, with major flooding expected at the Daly River Police Station starting Saturday evening.
Alert Details
The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDD20545) for the Daly River. This update, issued at 12:35 pm ACST on Saturday, March 7, 2026, follows moderate to heavy rainfall observed across the catchment since Wednesday. Major flooding is now imminent for the region.
Affected Areas
The warning covers several key areas within the Northern Territory:
- Daly River at Daly River Police Station: Major flooding expected.
- Lower Daly River: Major flooding expected.
- Daly River above Douglas River: River level rises occurring; flooding expected to continue for several days.
- Fergusson River: Elevated river levels along the river and its tributaries.
Additionally, a major flood warning is current for the Katherine River, and a flood watch is in effect for parts of the Bonaparte, North West Coastal, and Carpentaria Coastal River catchments.
What You Should Do
Residents in the warning zones are urged to prioritize safety and follow these instructions:
- 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 to avoid flooded routes.
- Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
- For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
- Visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for local emergency management warnings and advice.
Expected Conditions
As of 12:15 pm ACST Saturday, the Daly River at the Daly River Police Station was measured at 13.56 meters and rising (moderate flooding). The river is expected to exceed the major flood level of 14.00 meters on Saturday evening. Current forecasts indicate the river will likely reach 14.50 meters by late Sunday morning. Further rises are possible as upstream flows from Dorisvale Crossing (currently at 23.56 m and rising) arrive.
Timeline
- Saturday Evening, March 7: River expected to exceed major flood level (14.00 m).
- Late Sunday Morning, March 8: River likely to reach approximately 14.50 m.
- Next Update: The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next warning by 9:00 PM ACST on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Source: BOM Official Notice