Flood Watch Issued for Kimberley and Interior Regions as Tropical Low Approaches

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDW39605) for the Fitzroy River, northeast Kimberley, and eastern parts of the Interior. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments as weather conditions deteriorate.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and districts in Western Australia and the Northern Territory are likely to be affected:

• Fitzroy River
• North Kimberley Rivers
• East Kimberley Rivers
• Warburton District Rivers
• Sturt Creek District
• Western Desert
• Tanami Desert

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 and unpredictable.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead of time to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor local media, including the ABC, 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 tropical low currently situated over the Northern Territory is forecast to move slowly into the Kimberley region during Saturday. This system is expected to deliver widespread rainfall, including locally heavy falls. Because catchments in the area are already wet, they are expected to respond quickly to additional precipitation. Forecasted rainfall may lead to river and creek level rises, prolonged overland flooding, and ponding. These conditions may affect road access and lead to the isolation of some communities and homesteads.

Timeline

The Flood Watch was issued at 12:48 pm AWST on Friday, 13 March 2026. Flooding is considered possible across the watch area starting late Saturday. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AWST on Saturday, 14 March 2026.