Flood Watch Issued for Central, Western, and Eastern Inland Areas of NT and WA

Alert Details

This Flood Watch (IDD20595) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology. It provides early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments across the Central, Western, and Eastern Inland areas. This is the 20th flood watch issued for this event.

Affected Areas

Catchments likely to be affected include:

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

Separate flood warnings remain current for the Daly River, Victoria River, and Katherine River. Flooding is no longer expected in the East Kimberley, Fitzmaurice, Moyle, and Roper catchments.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised to:

• Avoid driving, walking, swimming, or playing in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan 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.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.

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 over the next few days. Because catchments are already wet from recent rain, this forecast rainfall may cause significant water level rises in rivers and creeks, as well as prolonged overland flooding and ponding.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:07 pm ACST on Monday, 16 March 2026. The situation is changing quickly, and the next update is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm ACST on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.