Severe Weather Warning Issued for Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding in Simpson District, NT

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDD21037) for heavy rainfall. This high-priority alert is a renewal for residents in the Simpson district of the Northern Territory. The warning is triggered by a slow-moving tropical low situated over the far southeast of the NT, which is expected to drift slowly back to the north through the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic focus of this alert is the Simpson district, specifically affecting locations east of Finke in the far southeast of the Northern Territory.

What You Should Do

The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) advises residents and travelers in the warning area to take the following actions:

• Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter when conditions deteriorate.
• Pull over if it is raining heavily and visibility is poor; park with hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
• Create your own sandbags to protect doorways using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Ensure pets and livestock are safe.
• Prepare for potential power outages by having an emergency kit ready with a radio, torch, spare batteries, and first aid kit.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the NTES on 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Rich tropical moisture surrounding the slow-moving low-pressure system is bringing a risk of heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding. Forecasted rainfall amounts include:

• Six-hour totals: 25 mm to 75 mm.
• 24-hour totals: 50 mm to 100 mm. These conditions are noted to be a threat to cattle and other livestock in the region. Separate Flood Watches or Warnings may also be current for the area.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:49 am ACST on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday and Thursday. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 5:00 pm ACST Wednesday.