Minor Flood Warning Issued for Katherine River and Nitmiluk Centre in Northern Territory

Alert Details

A Minor Flood Warning (IDD20555) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for the Katherine River. This is the 34th warning issued for this event, effective as of 10:33 am ACST on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Katherine River region, specifically impacting:

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

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 other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel routes to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for situation updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is currently occurring at Nitmiluk Centre. As of 10:10 am Friday, the Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre was recorded at 3.50 meters and falling, though it remains above the minor flood level of 3.00 meters. It is expected to stay above this threshold through Saturday.

At Katherine Bridge, the river level has fallen to 14.19 meters, which is below the minor flood level of 16.00 meters. However, a Flood Watch remains current for parts of the Top End, and renewed river rises are possible if forecast rainfall occurs.

Timeline

The alert is active as of Friday morning. The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre is likely to remain in minor flood status for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday, 14 March 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 11:00 am ACST on Saturday.