Major Flood Warning Issued for Roper and Waterhouse Rivers in Northern Territory

Alert Details

A Major Flood Warning (IDD20565) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the Roper and Waterhouse catchments. This is the ninth warning issued for this event, following significant river level rises caused by recent heavy rainfall.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Waterhouse River and the Roper River below Elsey Creek. Major flooding is currently concentrated at Beswick Bridge. Additionally, a Flood Watch remains in effect for parts of the Bonaparte, North West Coastal, and Carpentaria Coastal River catchments.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to follow these safety precautions:

• 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 routes to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• 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

Major flooding is ongoing along the Waterhouse River. As of 10:15 am ACST on Saturday, the Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge was recorded at 8.83 meters and falling. The river is expected to fall below the major flood level of 8.70 meters during Saturday evening. However, moderate flooding (above 8.10 meters) is likely to persist throughout the remainder of the weekend. Small renewed rises are possible depending on forecast rainfall. At Diljin Hill, the river was recorded at 3.65 meters and falling as of 9:45 am Saturday.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 10:31 am ACST on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Major flooding peaked at Beswick Bridge on Friday and is expected to transition to moderate levels by Saturday evening. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 3:00 PM ACST on Saturday, March 7, 2026.