Major Flood Warning Issued for Katherine River and Katherine Town

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (Warning Number 19) for the Katherine River. This update, issued at 10:38 am ACST on Sunday, March 8, 2026, indicates that while river levels are beginning to fall, they remain at dangerous heights following recent peaks.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic regions in the Northern Territory:

• Katherine Town and Katherine Bridge
• Katherine River Gorge Road
• Nitmiluk Centre
• Katherine River catchments

Expected Conditions

Major flooding is currently occurring across the region. At Katherine Bridge, the river was recorded at 18.91 meters and falling slowly as of 10:21 am Sunday. This follows a peak of 19.20 meters reached late Saturday night. The river is expected to remain above the major flood level of 17.50 meters throughout Sunday and into Monday.

At the Nitmiluk Centre, the river is currently at 6.07 meters and falling. It is expected to remain above the moderate flood level (5.50 meters) until Sunday evening. Residents should be aware that further rainfall and localized heavy falls are forecast for the next few days, which may lead to renewed river level rises.

Timeline

• Katherine Bridge: Likely to remain above major flood level (17.50 m) through Sunday, March 8, and into Monday, March 9.
• Nitmiluk Centre: Likely to remain above moderate flood level (5.50 m) until Sunday evening.
• Next Update: The BOM expects to issue the next warning by 5:00 PM ACST on Sunday, March 8.

What You Should Do

Authorities have issued the following safety instructions for residents in the affected areas:

• 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 local media and the ABC for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.