Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge

Alert Details

An Initial Moderate Flood Warning (IDD20565) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology for the Waterhouse River. This warning follows recent moderate rainfall across the Roper and Waterhouse catchments and continued activity from a monsoon trough.

Affected Areas

The primary area of concern is the Waterhouse River catchment in the Northern Territory, specifically the region surrounding Beswick Bridge. A broader Flood Watch also 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 urged to take the following safety precautions:

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

Expected Conditions

As of 1:15 pm ACST on Wednesday, the Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge was recorded at 6.21 meters and rising. Current forecasts indicate the river may exceed the minor flood level of 7.70 meters overnight Wednesday into Thursday. It is expected to reach the moderate flood level of approximately 8.10 meters starting early Thursday morning. Further rises are possible depending on the intensity of forecast rainfall over the next few days.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:34 pm ACST on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Moderate flooding is anticipated to begin early Thursday morning, March 5. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 2:00 pm ACST on Thursday.