Severe Weather Warning Issued for Heavy Rainfall and Damaging Winds in Central and Southeast Northern Territory

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDD21037) for heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging winds. This is a top-priority broadcast for residents in central and southeast Northern Territory.

Affected Areas

The warning primarily affects the Simpson district and parts of the Barkly and Tanami districts. Specific locations that may be impacted include Tennant Creek, Yuendumu, Ali Curung, Ti Tree, and Jervois. The warning for the Lasseter district has been cancelled as severe weather is no longer occurring in that area.

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 during heavy rain, pull over and park with hazard lights on until visibility improves.
• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
• Protect your home from flooding by creating sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Ensure the safety of pets and livestock.
• Prepare for potential power outages by having an emergency kit ready with a radio, torch, and spare batteries.
• For emergency assistance in floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low situated between Tennant Creek and Jervois is expected to move south and strengthen. Expected hazards include:

• Heavy Rainfall: Six-hourly totals between 60 and 90 mm, with 24-hourly totals between 100 and 140 mm.
• Intense Rainfall: Locally intense falls may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, with isolated 24-hourly totals reaching up to 200 mm, particularly in the southeastern Barkly and eastern Simpson districts.
• Damaging Winds: Gusts of approximately 90 km/h are possible near showers and thunderstorms.
• Livestock Threat: These conditions pose a significant risk to cattle and other livestock.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 10:56 am ACST on Sunday, 22 February 2026. Severe weather conditions are expected to persist through the day, likely contracting to affect only the Simpson district by Monday evening. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm ACST Sunday.