Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding for Daly, Arnhem, and Carpentaria Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall for residents in the Northern Territory. This is a top-priority message for immediate broadcast, issued at 8:14 am ACST on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the Daly, Arnhem, and Carpentaria forecast districts. Specific locations that may be impacted include:

• Nauiyu
• Batchelor
• Adelaide River
• Pine Creek
• Peppimenarti

Expected Conditions

A tropical low situated over the central Top End is driving convection on its eastern flank. Forecasters expect heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding.

Key meteorological data includes:

• Rainfall Totals: Six-hourly totals between 90 mm and 140 mm are likely.
• Peak Totals: Isolated areas could see up to 180 mm within a six-hour window.
• Recent Observations: Birdie Creek recorded 111 mm in the six hours leading to 7:16 am, while Edith Falls Ridge recorded 104 mm by 7:21 am.

Timeline

The heavy rainfall is expected to persist throughout Friday, slowly moving toward the west as the tropical low becomes more broad. Conditions are forecast to ease by Saturday morning. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 5:00 pm ACST Friday.

What You Should Do

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

• Secure Property: Fasten loose outside objects and seek shelter as conditions worsen.
• Road Safety: If driving in heavy rain, pull over if visibility is poor. Park with hazard lights on until the rain clears. Never drive into water of unknown depth or current.
• Flood Protection: Use pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand to create sandbags for doorways if flooding is imminent.
• Stay Clear of Hazards: Avoid flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Emergency Preparation: Ensure pets are safe and prepare an emergency kit including a radio, torch, spare batteries, and first aid supplies in case of power outages.
• Emergency Assistance: For help during floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.