Minor Flood Warning Issued for Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre and Gorge Road

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDD20555) for the Katherine River. This update, Warning Number 38, indicates that renewed minor flooding is possible due to ongoing rainfall in the catchment area.

Affected Areas

The primary areas affected include the Katherine River Gorge Road and the Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre in the Northern Territory. Current observations also include river height monitoring at Birdie Creek, Seventeen Mile Creek, and Katherine Bridge.

What You Should Do

Residents and visitors are urged 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 travel to avoid flooded routes.
• Stay informed by checking the ABC and local media for updates.
• For emergency assistance, call 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

River levels at Nitmiluk Centre peaked just below the minor flood level on Monday evening. However, with further rainfall forecast, levels are rising again. As of 9:31 am ACST Tuesday, the river at Nitmiluk Centre was recorded at 2.77 meters and rising. It is expected to exceed the minor flood level of 3.00 meters on Tuesday afternoon.

Latest River Heights (Tuesday morning):

• Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre: 2.77 m (Rising)
• Katherine River near Birdie Creek: 4.13 m (Steady)
• Seventeen Mile Creek at Waterfall View: 1.81 m (Steady)
• Katherine River at Katherine Bridge: 10.51 m (Steady)

Timeline

The warning was issued at 9:56 am ACST on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Renewed minor flooding is anticipated to begin Tuesday afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 11:00 am ACST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.