Major Flood Warning Issued for Waterhouse River and Roper River in Northern Territory

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Major Flood Warning for the Waterhouse River and a Flood Warning for the Roper River. This update, Warning Number 18, was issued at 11:47 am ACST on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The alert follows heavy rainfall that has impacted the region since Monday afternoon.

Affected Areas

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

• Waterhouse River: Including Beswick Bridge and Diljin Hill.
• Roper River: Catchment areas below Elsey Creek.
• Top End: Parts of the Top End remain under a current Flood Watch.

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 extremely dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.securent.nt.gov.au for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall since Monday has caused significant rises in river levels. At Beswick Bridge, the Waterhouse River was recorded at 8.65 meters and steady as of 11:15 am Tuesday, which is just below the major flood level of 8.70 meters.

While widespread heavy rain is currently unlikely, isolated heavier falls remain possible over the next few days, which could lead to further rises. River levels are currently elevated throughout the entire Roper River catchment.

Timeline

The Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge is expected to remain near the major flood level throughout Tuesday, March 10. The situation is being closely monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology, with the next formal warning update scheduled to be issued by 5:30 PM ACST on Tuesday.