Flood Watch Issued for Finke River, MacDonnell Ranges, and Simpson Desert

Alert Details

Type: Flood Watch (IDD20595) Issued by: Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Effective: Through March 19, 2026

Affected Areas

The following catchments in the Southern and Eastern Inland Areas of the Northern Territory and Western Australia are likely to be affected:

• Finke River and Stephenson Creek
• MacDonnell Ranges
• Simpson Desert

Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchments: Sturt Creek District, Western Desert, Central Desert, and Tanami Desert.

What You Should Do

• Stay Safe: Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous. Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Travel with Caution: Obey road closure signs and check road conditions before traveling. Roads may become impassable, and some communities or homesteads may become isolated.
• Stay Informed: Check the ABC and local media for updates. For local emergency management warnings and advice, visit www.securent.nt.gov.au.
• Emergency Assistance: Call the SES at 132 500 for assistance. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Catchments in the watch area are currently wet from recent rainfall. While a trough of low pressure moved out of the southern Northern Territory on Wednesday morning and a ridge of high pressure is developing to bring drier conditions, forecast rainfall may still cause significant water level rises in rivers and creeks. Residents should expect potential overland flooding and ponding.

Timeline

This alert was issued at 12:54 pm ACST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm ACST on Thursday, March 19, 2026.