Major Flood Warning Issued for Daly River at Daly River Police Station

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDD20545) for the Daly River. This is an update to an ongoing significant weather event, with major flooding expected to continue throughout the week.

Affected Areas

The primary impact zone includes the Daly River at the Daly River Police Station and the Lower Daly River. Specific river height observations have been recorded at the following locations:

• Daly River at Dorisvale Crossing: 19.20 m and rising
• Douglas River at Douglas Crossing: 3.51 m and steady
• Daly River at Mount Nancar: 18.59 m and falling
• Daly River at Daly River Police Station: 15.49 m and steady

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are urged to follow these safety protocols:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is extremely dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded areas.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Significant major flooding is currently occurring. The Daly River at the Daly River Police Station peaked at 16.42 meters on Sunday morning, which is higher than the historic 1998 flood level of 16.25 meters. While the river level is currently falling slowly, it is expected to remain above the major flood level of 14.00 meters for the remainder of the week.

Additional rainfall is forecast over the catchment area within the next few days. This forecast rain is likely to cause renewed river rises starting Sunday.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:54 am ACST on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Major flood conditions are expected to persist through the end of the week. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 11:30 AM ACST on Friday, March 20, 2026.