Flood Watch Issued for Top End Catchments as Tropical Low Impacts Northern Territory

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 13 for several catchments across the Top End of the Northern Territory. This alert provides early advice of possible flooding as a tropical low and trough system move through the region.

Affected Areas

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

• Victoria River (below Kalkarindji)
• Fitzmaurice River and Moyle River
• Katherine River (Moderate flood warning currently in effect)
• Daly River (Major flood warning current for Lower Daly; Flood warning for above Douglas River)
• Finniss River
• Adelaide River (Minor flood warning current for Upper Adelaide; also includes below Adelaide River Town)
• Mary River
• Waterhouse River (Major flood warning currently in effect)
• Roper River (Flood warning currently in effect)

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning areas should take the following precautions:

• Avoid Floodwater: Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater. It is dangerous and conditions can change rapidly.
• Stay Clear of Waterways: Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Travel Safety: Obey all road closure signs. Check road conditions before traveling, as roads may become impassable and some communities or homesteads may become isolated.
• Emergency Contacts: For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Stay Informed: Monitor the ABC, local media, and visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

A trough extending through the Daly and Carpentaria Districts, with an embedded tropical low over the central Top End, is responsible for the current weather. While the low is expected to weaken, the trough will broaden over inland parts of the Top End.

• Rainfall: Moderate rainfall is expected, with localized heavy falls possible over the next few days.
• Ground Conditions: Catchments are already saturated from recent rainfall, increasing the risk of significant water level rises in rivers and creeks.
• Flooding: Prolonged overland flooding and ponding are anticipated.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:26 am ACST on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The current weather system is expected to impact the region over the next few days. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 PM ACST on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.