Flood Watch Issued for Eastern Interior Regions of Western Australia and Northern Territory

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDW39605) for the eastern parts of the Interior. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a trough of low pressure combined with an inflow of humid tropical air.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected:

• Warburton District Rivers
• Sandy Desert (Eastern parts)
• Sturt Creek District
• Western Desert
• Tanami Desert

Flooding is no longer expected in the Fitzroy, North Kimberley, and East Kimberley catchments.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are urged to take the following safety 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 routes.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

A trough of low pressure over the southern Northern Territory is expected to generate widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across the eastern interior over the next few days. Because catchments in the area are already wet, they are likely to respond quickly to additional precipitation. Forecasted conditions include rising river and creek levels, prolonged overland flooding, and ponding. These conditions may affect road access and lead to the isolation of some communities and homesteads.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:30 pm AWST on Monday, March 16, 2026. The situation is being monitored, and the next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm AWST on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.