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

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 5 for several catchments across Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The alert was issued at 10:22 am AWST on Sunday, March 15, 2026, as a tropical low moves through the region.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and districts are included in the flood watch:

• Fitzroy River
• North Kimberley Rivers
• East Kimberley Rivers
• Warburton District Rivers
• Sandy Desert (Eastern parts)
• Sturt Creek District
• Western Desert
• Tanami Desert

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to:

• Avoid driving, walking, swimming, or playing in floodwaters as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low over the Kimberley district is drawing moisture along a surface trough, while an upper trough moves through southern Western Australia. These systems are forecast to produce widespread rainfall across the north and east Kimberley, Fitzroy catchments, and eastern parts of the Interior. Because catchments are already wet, they are expected to respond quickly to new rainfall. Potential impacts include river and creek level rises, prolonged overland flooding, and ponding. Road access may be restricted, potentially isolating some communities and homesteads.

Timeline

The flood watch is effective as of Sunday, March 15, 2026. Flooding is possible across the watch area starting Sunday and continuing through Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 PM AWST on Monday, March 16, 2026.