Major Flood Warning Issued for Katherine River and Katherine Town; Levels Near 2006 Records
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Katherine River, with water levels at Katherine Bridge expected to peak near 19.2 meters on Saturday afternoon.
Alert Details
The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDD20555) for the Katherine River. This is an update to Warning Number 14, issued at 12:52 pm ACST on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Major flooding is currently occurring, with river levels exceeding historical benchmarks.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically impacts the following locations in the Northern Territory:
- Katherine Town and Katherine Bridge
- Nitmiluk Centre
- Katherine River Gorge Road
- Tributaries of the Katherine River
What You Should Do
Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:
- 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 further updates.
- For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
Expected Conditions
Rapid river level rises are occurring across the catchment. At Katherine Bridge, the river was recorded at 18.93 meters and rising as of 12:41 pm Saturday. It is forecast to peak near 19.20 meters Saturday afternoon, which is above the bridge deck and matches the April 2006 flood level.
At the Nitmiluk Centre, the river peaked at 9.64 meters Saturday morning, exceeding the April 2006 flood level of 9.50 meters. While the level is currently falling (9.23 meters as of 12:40 pm), it is expected to remain above the major flood level of 6.50 meters through Sunday. Further rainfall is possible over the next several days, which may lead to additional rises as upstream flows arrive.
Timeline
- Current Status: Major flooding is active as of Saturday afternoon.
- Peak Timing: Katherine Bridge is expected to peak Saturday afternoon, March 7.
- Duration: Major flood levels at Nitmiluk Centre are expected to persist for the remainder of Saturday and into Sunday.
- Next Update: The BOM will issue the next warning by 4:00 PM ACST on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Source: BOM Official Notice