Flood Watch Issued for Central, Western, and Eastern Inland Areas of Northern Territory and Western Australia

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDD20595) for parts of the Central, Western, and Eastern Inland Areas. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to an incoming weather system.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are likely to be affected:

• Finke River and Stephenson Creek
• MacDonnell Ranges
• Simpson Desert
• Sturt Creek District
• Western Desert
• Central Desert
• Tanami Desert

The alert covers regions across the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

• 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 travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as roads may become impassable and communities or homesteads may become isolated.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A trough of low pressure located over the southern Northern Territory, supported by an inflow of humid tropical air, is expected to generate widespread moderate to heavy rainfall. Because catchments in the watch area are already wet from recent rainfall, the forecast precipitation may cause significant water level rises in rivers and creeks, as well as prolonged overland flooding and ponding.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:30 pm ACST on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. The weather conditions are expected to persist through the remainder of today and into tomorrow morning. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm ACST on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.