Severe Weather Warning: Intense Rainfall and Flash Flooding Threaten Southeast Northern Territory

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDD21037) for heavy and locally intense rainfall. This high-priority alert was issued at 10:55 am ACST on Saturday, February 28, 2026, for people in parts of the Simpson and Barkly districts.

Affected Areas

The warning primarily affects the eastern Simpson and far southern Barkly districts. Specific locations identified include Jervois and the Simpson District east of Finke. The Bureau noted that severe weather is no longer occurring in the Lasseter district, and the warning for that area has been cancelled.

What You Should Do

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

• Secure loose outdoor objects and seek shelter as conditions deteriorate.
• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth or current; if visibility is poor due to heavy rain, pull over and use hazard lights.
• Create sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand to protect doorways.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Ensure pets and livestock are safe.
• Prepare for potential power outages by having an emergency kit ready with a radio, torch, and first aid supplies.
• For emergency help in floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low positioned over the southwest Simpson district is tracking southwards, bringing rich tropical moisture to the region. Heavy rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are possible over six-hour periods. Locally intense rainfall, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, is possible with slow-moving lines of thunderstorms, with six-hour totals reaching up to 110 mm. These conditions also pose a threat to cattle and other livestock.

Timeline

The risk of intense rainfall is expected to continue through Saturday morning and afternoon. Conditions are forecast to ease across the southeast Northern Territory during Saturday evening, though isolated thunderstorms with locally heavy falls may persist. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm ACST Saturday.