Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Simpson District and Alice Springs

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for heavy rainfall. This is a top priority alert for immediate broadcast, issued at 3:30 pm ACST on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The warning is classified as a major alert due to the potential for hazardous conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to people in parts of the Simpson district in the Northern Territory. Specific locations that may be affected by the storm activity include:

• Alice Springs
• Arltunga
• Santa Teresa
• Simpson District east of Finke

What You Should Do

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

• Slow down and turn your vehicle headlights on.
• Create your own sandbags if flooding occurs by using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand to protect doorways.
• Secure loose outside objects and ensure pets and animals are safe.
• Avoid remaining in the open when storms threaten.
• If driving in heavy rain and visibility is poor, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the NTES on 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A moist airmass and a surface trough are generating showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. These severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 3:30 pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is expected to be issued by 6:30 pm. Residents are encouraged to monitor TV and radio broadcasts for further updates.