Flood Watch Issued for Top End, Central, and Western Inland Areas of Northern Territory and Western Australia

Alert Details

A Flood Watch (IDD20595) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology for parts of the Top End, Central, and Western Inland areas. This is an update to an ongoing weather event, issued at 12:42 pm ACST on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are included in this watch:

• Western Australia: East Kimberley Rivers and Sturt Creek District.
• Northern Territory: Upper Victoria River, Victoria River below Kalkarindji, Fitzmaurice River, Moyle River, Katherine River, Daly River above Douglas River, Lower Daly River, Waterhouse River, Roper River, Finke River and Stephenson Creek, MacDonnell Ranges, Western Desert, Central Desert, Tanami Desert, and Barkly.

Specific flood warnings are already in effect for several areas, including a Major Flood Warning for the Lower Daly River and Minor Flood Warnings for the Upper Victoria and Katherine Rivers.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to:

• Avoid driving, walking, swimming, or playing in floodwaters as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and check road conditions before attempting to travel.
• Plan for potential isolation of communities and homesteads.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low currently situated over the far northern Gregory District is moving slowly toward the Kimberley. Combined with a deepening trough over the southwest Northern Territory, this system is forecast to generate widespread and potentially heavy rainfall. Because catchments are already wet from recent rain, further significant water level rises in rivers and creeks are expected, alongside prolonged overland flooding and ponding. Roads may become impassable due to these conditions.

Timeline

The alert was issued on Friday, March 13, 2026, and remains active as the weather system moves through the region during the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 01:00 PM ACST on Saturday, March 14, 2026.