Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall in Barkly and Simpson Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy and locally intense rainfall. This high-priority alert is currently in effect for parts of the Simpson and Barkly districts in the Northern Territory.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers parts of the Simpson and Barkly forecast districts. Locations likely to be impacted include Jervois, Finke, and the Simpson District east of Finke.

What You Should Do

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

• Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter as conditions deteriorate.
• If driving in heavy rain, pull over safely and turn on hazard lights until visibility improves.
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth or current.
• Use sandbags (or pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand) to protect doorways from flooding.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Ensure the safety of pets and livestock.
• Prepare for potential power outages with an emergency kit containing a radio, torch, spare batteries, and first aid supplies.
• For emergency assistance during floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving tropical low is bringing rich tropical moisture to the region. Heavy rainfall is forecast for the Simpson district, with six-hour totals between 50 and 80 mm possible. 24-hour totals are expected to reach between 60 and 100 mm, with isolated totals up to 130 mm.

Locally intense rainfall, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, is possible with slow-moving thunderstorms in the far southeast Simpson district. These areas could see six-hour rainfall totals of approximately 110 mm. These conditions also pose a significant threat to cattle and other livestock.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 11:00 am ACST on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the remainder of the day and into Thursday night. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 5:00 pm ACST Thursday.