Flood Watch Issued for Kimberley, Fitzroy River, and Eastern Interior Districts

Alert Details

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

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

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area should take the following 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 to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low over the Kimberley District is moving southwest, while a trough is forecast to deepen over the southwest Northern Territory. Humid tropical winds are expected to generate widespread rainfall. As catchments in the area are already wet, they are likely to respond quickly to additional rain. Expected hazards 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 flood watch is effective starting late Saturday, March 14, 2026. The situation is expected to continue through the weekend as the weather systems move through the region. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 PM AWST on Sunday, March 15, 2026.