Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued for Tanami District, NT

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for heavy rainfall. This is a top-priority broadcast for residents in parts of the Tanami district. The alert was issued at 10:18 pm ACST on Monday, 23 February 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers parts of the Tanami district in the Northern Territory. Specific locations identified that may be affected include Rabbit Flat and surrounding areas.

Expected Conditions

Slow-moving thunderstorms are currently moving through a very moist environment. These storms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours. Significant rainfall has already been recorded in the region, with 61.0mm falling at The Granites Airport in the two-hour period leading up to 10:00 pm ACST.

What You Should Do

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

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

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:18 pm Monday, 23 February 2026. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 1:20 am Tuesday.