Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued for Arnhem, Carpentaria, and Daly Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDD21037) for heavy rainfall. This is a high-priority renewal alert for the Northern Territory, specifically targeting the Daly and parts of the Arnhem and Carpentaria districts.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Daly district, far western Arnhem, and northwestern parts of the Katherine region. Specific locations that may be affected include Wadeye, Nauiyu, Batchelor, Adelaide River, Pine Creek, and Palumpa.

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 if visibility is poor and park with hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
• Create sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand to protect doorways from flooding.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Ensure pets and animals are safe.
• Prepare for potential power outages by having an emergency kit ready with a radio, torch, spare batteries, and first aid kit.
• For emergency assistance in floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low positioned over the central Top End is expected to remain slow-moving, bringing broad areas of heavy rainfall. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 mm and 140 mm are possible today and likely this evening. These conditions may lead to flash flooding. Recent observations have already recorded significant totals, including 111 mm at Birdie Creek and 104 mm at Edith Falls Ridge within six-hour periods.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:02 am ACST on Friday, March 6, 2026. Heavy rainfall is expected to persist through Friday night, with a slow westward progression and gradual easing through Saturday. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm ACST Friday.