Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding for Barkly, Lasseter, and Simpson Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDD21037) for heavy and locally intense rainfall. This is a high-priority renewal notice for residents in the southeast Northern Territory. The warning highlights the risk of flash flooding driven by a slow-moving tropical low currently situated over the far southeast of the region.

Affected Areas

The alert covers parts of the Barkly, Simpson, and Lasseter forecast districts. Specific locations identified as being at risk include:

• Jervois
• Kulgera
• Finke
• Alpurrurulam
• Simpson District east of Finke

What You Should Do

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

• Secure Property: Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter as conditions deteriorate.
• Road Safety: If driving in heavy rain, pull over if visibility is lost and park with hazard lights on until the rain clears. Never drive into water of unknown depth or current.
• Flood Protection: Create sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand to protect doorways.
• Stay Clear: Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Animal Welfare: Ensure all pets and livestock are in a safe location.
• Emergency Prep: Prepare for potential power outages with an emergency kit containing a radio, torch, spare batteries, and first aid supplies.
• Emergency Contact: For help during floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Rich tropical moisture is expected to produce significant rainfall totals:

• Heavy Rainfall: Six-hour totals between 50 and 80 mm are possible, with 24-hour totals likely reaching 80 to 130 mm. Isolated areas may see up to 200 mm.
• Intense Rainfall: Slow-moving thunderstorms may produce intense falls of approximately 110 mm within a six-hour window, leading to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.
• Livestock Impact: These conditions pose a specific threat to cattle and other livestock in the region.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:44 am ACST on Friday, February 27, 2026. The tropical low is expected to move slowly west today before shifting south into South Australia over the weekend. Conditions in the southeast Northern Territory are finally expected to ease during Saturday evening. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm ACST Friday.