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

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDD21037) for heavy and locally intense rainfall. This top-priority alert is currently in effect for the Simpson district and portions of the Barkly and Tanami districts in the Northern Territory.

Affected Areas

The warning covers central and southeast regions of the Northern Territory. Specific locations that may be impacted include:

• Ali Curung
• Arltunga
• Ti Tree
• Jervois
• Barrow Creek
• Ampilatwatja

What You Should Do

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

• Secure loose outdoor items and seek shelter as conditions worsen.
• If driving in heavy rain, pull over safely and use hazard lights until visibility improves.
• Never drive into floodwaters of unknown depth or current.
• Protect your home from flooding by using sandbags (or pillowcases/shopping bags filled with sand) at doorways.
• Stay away from drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Ensure the safety of pets and livestock.
• Prepare for potential power outages by checking emergency kits, including torches, radios, and batteries.
• For emergency assistance during floods or storms, contact NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A slow-moving tropical low near Jervois is generating significant moisture across the region. Forecasters expect:

• Heavy Rainfall: Six-hourly totals between 40 and 90 mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals reaching 70 to 120 mm.
• Locally Intense Rainfall: Isolated six-hourly totals up to 120 mm are possible, particularly in the southern Barkly and northern Simpson districts.
• Hazards: Flash flooding is likely, with “dangerous and life-threatening” flash flooding possible during overnight and early morning periods. The weather also poses a threat to cattle and other livestock.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:49 am ACST on Monday, February 23, 2026. While uncertainty remains regarding the low’s exact movement, severe conditions may contract to affect only the Simpson district by Monday evening. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm ACST Monday.