Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Barkly, Simpson, and Tanami Districts: Heavy Rainfall Expected

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning (IDD21033) for heavy rainfall. This is a top priority message for immediate broadcast, affecting residents in the Northern Territory.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the Barkly, Tanami, and Simpson forecast districts. Specific locations identified as being at risk include the Barkly District to the west of Tennant Creek.

Expected Conditions

A very moist airmass combined with a convergence area is generating slow-moving thunderstorms across the region. These severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding within the warning area over the next several hours. Heavier falls are expected to develop about the Tanami and Barkly districts this afternoon.

What You Should Do

The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) advises residents to take the following precautions:

• Driving Safety: Slow down and turn your headlights on. If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears. Avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
• Flood Protection: Create your own sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
• Property and Safety: Secure loose outside objects and ensure pets and animals are safe. Avoid remaining in the open when storms threaten.
• Emergency Contact: For emergency help in floods, storms, and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 5:21 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 8:25 pm.