Flood Watch Issued for North East Pastoral District and Major River Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDS20374) for parts of the North East Pastoral District. This watch serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments as a low pressure system and trough move across the region. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is also currently active for parts of the district.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected by rising water levels:

• Warburton River
• Cooper Creek
• Lake Eyre
• Lake Frome
• Finke River and Stephenson Creek
• Simpson Desert

Flood warnings are already current for the Warburton and Cooper catchments. Flooding is no longer expected in the Eastern Great Victoria Desert or the Warburton District.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to 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 other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as some communities and homesteads may become isolated.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A low pressure system and trough over the north-east of the state will continue to move north-eastwards, bringing further moderate to heavy rainfall. Because catchments in the Flood Watch area are already moderately wet, they are likely to respond quickly to additional rainfall. Expected impacts include river and creek level rises, prolonged overland flooding, and ponding.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:33 am ACDT on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The weather systems are expected to clear the state by Thursday, March 19. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next Flood Watch update by 12:00 PM ACDT on Thursday.