Major Flood Warning Issued for Victoria River Catchment

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Warning (IDD20575) for the Victoria River. This is warning number 6 for this event and is classified within the major warning group due to elevated river levels across the catchment.

Affected Areas

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

• Upper Victoria River
• Victoria River at Kalkarindji
• Victoria River below Battle Creek
• Victoria River between Armstrong River and Wattie Creek
• Victoria River between Battle Creek and Armstrong River

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 waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for the latest 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 warnings and advice.

Expected Conditions

River levels remain elevated throughout the Victoria River catchment in response to recent heavy rainfall. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast over the coming days, which may lead to additional river level rises.

Latest River Heights (as of Tuesday, March 17):

• Victoria River at Kalkarindji: 4.42 m and rising (observed at 6:45 am)
• Victoria River at Dashwood Crossing: 14.10 m and steady (observed at 9:45 am)
• Victoria River at Victoria River Crossing: 16.48 m and steady (observed at 9:45 am)

Timeline

The warning was issued at 10:44 am ACST on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The situation is subject to change quickly as further rainfall occurs. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 12:00 PM ACST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.