Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Litchfield and Outer Darwin Areas

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDD21035) for Darwin City and Outer Darwin. The alert was issued at 11:44 am ACST on Monday, 9 March 2026, specifically warning of heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to people in parts of the Litchfield area. Specific locations identified in the path of the storm include:

• Humpty Doo and Noonamah: Storm detected in this vicinity at 11:45 am.
• Koolpinyah and McMinns Lagoon: Expected impact by 12:15 pm.
• Howard Springs: Expected impact by 12:45 pm.

What You Should Do

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

• Slow down and turn your headlights on if driving.
• Create sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand to protect doorways from potential flooding.
• Ensure pets and animals are in a safe location.
• Avoid the open: Do not remain outdoors when storms threaten.
• Pull over safely: If heavy rain makes it impossible to see, park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Avoid floodwaters: Do not drive into water of unknown depth or current.
• Emergency Contact: For help in floods or storms, contact the NTES on 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Slow-moving showers and thunderstorms are currently active in the region. These storms are likely to produce heavy rainfall, which poses a direct threat of flash flooding to the identified communities.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 11:44 am on Monday, 9 March 2026. The storm is currently slow-moving, with specific impacts forecast through at least 12:45 pm. The Bureau expects to issue the next update by 12:45 pm. A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also currently in effect for parts of the Daly district.