Severe Weather Warning Issued for Barkly and Simpson Districts: Life-Threatening Flash Flooding Possible

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 top-priority alert for immediate broadcast, classified as a major warning group type.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to residents in parts of the Barkly and Simpson districts in the Northern Territory. Specific locations that may be affected include Tennant Creek and Ali Curung. The weather situation involves a tropical low situated near the border region of Simpson, Barkly, and Queensland.

What You Should Do

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

• Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter as conditions deteriorate.
• If driving in heavy rain, pull over, park with hazard lights on, and wait for the rain to clear.
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth or current.
• Protect your home from flooding by creating sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand to place around doorways.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Ensure the safety of pets and animals.
• Prepare for potential power outages by having an emergency kit ready with a radio, torch, spare batteries, and first aid supplies.
• For emergency assistance in floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low is expected to move slowly southward and strengthen, drawing rich tropical moisture into the region. This system brings a broad risk of heavy to locally intense rainfall, particularly on its northern and eastern sides.

Forecasters anticipate:

• Six-hourly rainfall totals: Between 55 and 80 mm, with localized falls up to 130 mm possible.
• 24-hourly rainfall totals: Between 100 and 150 mm, with localized falls up to 220 mm possible.
• Hazards: These conditions may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, especially during overnight hours.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 3:21 pm ACST on Friday, 20 February 2026. Heavy rainfall is forecast to develop starting late Friday evening. The Bureau expects to issue the next update by 11:00 pm ACST Friday.