Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Darwin and Palmerston in Daly District

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDD21033) for heavy rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for residents in parts of the Daly forecast district, classified with a high severity level.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers parts of the Daly district. Locations that may be affected include Darwin and Palmerston. Overnight thunderstorms have already produced heavy rainfall about coastal Darwin, creating hazardous conditions.

What You Should Do

The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) advises residents to take the following immediate actions:

• Driving Safety: Slow down and turn your headlights on. If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Flood Protection: Create your own sandbags if there is flooding by using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
• General Safety: Secure loose outside objects and ensure pets and animals are safe. Avoid remaining in the open when storms threaten.
• Water Hazards: Avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
• Emergency Help: For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the NTES on 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area. These conditions are expected to continue over the next several hours following significant overnight rainfall in coastal areas.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 5:06 am ACST on Saturday, 21 March 2026. The alert is currently active, with the next update scheduled to be issued by 8:10 am. If severe thunderstorms develop specifically in Darwin City and Outer Darwin, a more detailed warning will be issued.