Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Life-Threatening Flash Flooding in North East Pastoral District

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 North East Pastoral district in South Australia as a slow-moving low-pressure system over the southern Northern Territory interacts with an extremely humid tropical airmass.

Affected Areas

The warning covers specific regions within the North East Pastoral district. Locations that may be impacted include:

• Moomba
• Innamincka
• Simpson Desert Conservation Park
• Mungeranie on the Birdsville Track
• Strzelecki Track south of Moomba

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents and travelers in the warning area to take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, ride, or walk through floodwater.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Stay indoors and away from windows while conditions are severe.
• Monitor local TV and radio broadcasts for further updates.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday morning, with six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm expected. Over a 24-hour period, totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with isolated falls reaching up to 130 mm.

Furthermore, locally intense rainfall associated with isolated thunderstorms may occur over the far northeast, most likely from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. These conditions could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, with six-hourly rainfall totals of approximately 110 mm possible.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:57 am ACDT on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The low-pressure system is expected to linger in the area for several days, bringing continued periods of heavy rainfall throughout the week. The next formal update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm ACDT Wednesday.