Major Flood Warning Issued for Daly River: Levels Expected to Peak Near 1998 Records

Alert Details

A Major Flood Warning (IDD20545) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the Daly River. This is the 20th flood warning issued for this event, indicating significant and prolonged major flooding is currently occurring.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Daly River at the Daly River Police Station and the Lower Daly River region in the Northern Territory. Other areas currently under monitoring include the Katherine River (Minor Flood Warning) and parts of the Top End, Central, and Western Inland Areas (Flood Watch).

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are urged to take the following safety precautions:

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

Expected Conditions

Significant major flooding is occurring, with the Daly River at Daly River Police Station recorded at 16.19 meters and steady as of Friday morning. The river is forecast to peak near 16.30 meters, which is comparable to the historic 1998 flood level of 16.25 meters. Moderate rainfall is expected over the next few days, which may contribute to prolonged flooding conditions.

Latest river heights include:

• Daly River at Dorisvale Crossing: 23.80 m (Steady)
• Daly River at Mount Nancar: 19.51 m (Steady)
• Daly River at Beeboom Crossing: 18.06 m (Rising)
• Douglas River at Douglas Crossing: 5.48 m (Falling)

Timeline

The warning was issued at 11:32 am ACST on Friday, March 13, 2026. The river is expected to reach its peak from overnight Friday into Saturday. The Bureau of Meteorology will provide the next update by 12:00 PM ACST on Saturday, March 14, 2026.