Final Flood Watch Issued for Sturt Creek District, Tanami and Western Deserts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a final Flood Watch (IDW39605) for the eastern parts of the Interior. This is the final notification for this weather event, as the trough of low pressure responsible for recent conditions has moved east of the area.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are included in this final advisory:

• Sturt Creek District
• Western Desert
• Tanami Desert

The affected regions span Western Australia (WA) and parts of the Northern Territory (NT).

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected districts are advised to take the following precautions:

• Check road conditions before traveling, as localized flooding and transport disruptions may continue.
• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater, as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan routes to avoid flooded roads.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

No further significant rainfall is forecast for the watch area over the next few days. While further significant river and creek rises are not expected, localized flooding from recent heavy rainfall may still impact the region. The trough of low pressure has successfully moved out of the Flood Watch area.

Timeline

This alert was issued at 11:27 am AWST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. It is the eighth and final Flood Watch for this event; no further watches will be issued as the threat of additional flooding has subsided.