Flood Watch Issued for Top End Catchments in Northern Territory as Tropical Low Moves Southwest

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 14 for parts of the Top End in the Northern Territory. This alert (IDD20595) serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to an embedded tropical low and an active trough extending through the Daly and Carpentaria Districts.

Affected Areas

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

• Upper Victoria River and Victoria River below Kalkarindji
• Fitzmaurice River and Moyle River
• Katherine River (Moderate flood warning currently in effect)
• Daly River (above Douglas River and Lower Daly River; Major flood warning currently in effect for Lower Daly)
• Finniss River
• Upper Adelaide River and Adelaide River 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 and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater. It is dangerous and conditions can change quickly.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs. Check road conditions before attempting any travel, as roads may become impassable and communities or homesteads may become isolated.
• Plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
• Monitor local media and visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for emergency management updates.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low located over the central Top End is expected to move slowly southwest over the coming days. This system, combined with a broadening trough, is forecast to produce moderate rainfall with localized heavy falls. Because catchments are already saturated from recent rain, additional precipitation is expected to cause significant water level rises in rivers and creeks, alongside prolonged overland flooding and ponding.

Timeline

The Flood Watch was issued at 12:23 pm ACST on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. It remains in effect with the next update scheduled to be issued by 01:00 pm ACST on Thursday, 12 March 2026.