Major Flood Warning Issued for Katherine River and Katherine Town as Cyclone Narelle Approaches

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning (IDD20555) for the Katherine River. This warning, number 41 in the current series, is in response to the forecast impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which is expected to bring widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall to parts of the Top End.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic regions and locations in the Northern Territory:

• Katherine Town and Katherine Bridge
• Katherine River Gorge Road
• Nitmiluk Centre
• Katherine River catchment

Expected Conditions

Forecast rainfall from late Saturday is expected to cause significant and rapid river level rises across the catchment. Specific height forecasts include:

• Nitmiluk Centre: Currently at 2.62 m and falling. It is expected to exceed the minor flood level (3.00 m) Sunday morning and may exceed the moderate (5.50 m) and major (6.50 m) flood levels from overnight Sunday into Monday.
• Katherine Bridge: Currently at 11.63 m and falling. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level (16.00 m) overnight Sunday into Monday and may exceed the moderate (16.5 m) and major (17.5 m) flood levels from Monday morning.

What You Should Do

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

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• 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 warnings and advice.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 9:57 am ACST on Friday, March 20, 2026. River levels are expected to begin exceeding flood thresholds on Sunday morning, March 22, with major flooding possible through Monday, March 23. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 10:30 am ACST on Saturday, March 21, 2026.