Major Flood Warning Issued for Daly River: Levels Surpass Historic 1998 Peak

Alert Details

A Major Flood Warning (IDD20545) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the Daly River. This update, Warning Number 23, confirms that significant major flooding is currently occurring and is expected to be prolonged.

Affected Areas

The primary area of concern is the Daly River at the Daly River Police Station and the Lower Daly River in the Northern Territory. Specific river height observations have been recorded at the following locations:

• Daly River at Daly River Police Station: 16.33 m (Steady)
• Daly River at Mount Nancar: 19.58 m (Rising)
• Daly River at Dorisvale Crossing: 20.76 m (Falling)
• Douglas River at Douglas Crossing: 5.24 m (Falling)
• Daly River at Beeboom Crossing: 19.50 m (Rising as of March 12)

What You Should Do

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

• 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 ahead to avoid flooded routes.
• 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 ongoing. The river level at the Daly River Police Station peaked above the historic 1998 flood level of 16.25 meters on Sunday morning. As of 10:45 am ACST Monday, the level remains steady at 16.33 meters, well above the major flood threshold of 14.00 meters. Further rainfall is forecast over the catchment area within the next few days, which may impact river levels.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:07 am ACST on Monday, 16 March 2026. Major flooding is expected to continue and remain above the major flood level for the remainder of the week. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 11:00 am ACST on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.