Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall in Lasseter, Simpson, and Tanami Districts

Alert Details

A Severe Weather Warning for HEAVY RAINFALL has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for people in parts of the Simpson, Lasseter, and Tanami districts. This is a high-priority alert for immediate broadcast as a tropical low and upper trough combine to bring significant moisture to the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the Lasseter, Simpson, and Tanami districts in the Northern Territory. Specific locations that may be affected include:

• Yulara
• Yuendumu
• Kulgera
• Papunya
• Hermannsburg
• Curtin Springs

What You Should Do

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

• Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter as conditions deteriorate.
• If driving in heavy rain, pull over and park with hazard lights on until visibility improves.
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth or current.
• Protect your home from flooding by using sandbags (or pillowcases/shopping bags filled with sand) around doorways.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Ensure pets and animals are in a safe location.
• Prepare for potential power outages by having an emergency kit ready with a radio, torch, spare batteries, and first aid supplies.
• For emergency help in floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast for the region. Meteorologists expect six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm. Over a 24-hour period, totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 160 mm possible. Significant rainfall has already been observed, with 71.0 mm recorded at Yulara in the six hours leading up to 3:00 pm Monday.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 4:28 pm ACST on Monday, 16 March 2026. The risk of heavy rainfall is expected to persist through Monday and into Tuesday morning. Conditions are expected to ease in the Tanami district later Monday evening. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 11:00 pm ACST Monday.