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

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDD20545) for the Daly River. This is warning number 22 for this event, indicating significant major flooding is currently occurring. The alert was issued at 10:38 am ACST on Sunday, 15 March 2026.

Affected Areas

The primary impact zone is 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 Daly River Police Station: 16.41 m (Steady)
• Daly River at Mount Nancar: 19.67 m (Steady)
• Daly River at Dorisvale Crossing: 22.11 m (Falling)
• Daly River at Beeboom Crossing: 19.50 m (Rising)
• Douglas River at Douglas Crossing: 4.38 m (Falling)

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised 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 other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for 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 occurring at the Daly River Police Station, with levels peaking at approximately 16.42 meters. This exceeds the historic 1998 flood level of 16.25 meters. Moderate rainfall is forecast over the next few days, which may contribute to sustained high water levels. The river is expected to remain around the 16.40-meter mark through Monday.

Timeline

The flood peak is expected to be prolonged, continuing through the remainder of the weekend and into Monday, 16 March. River levels are forecast to stay above the major flood level of 14.00 meters well into next week. The next official warning from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 12:00 PM ACST on Monday, 16 March 2026.