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

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDD21037) for heavy rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for residents in the southwestern regions of the Northern Territory.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Lasseter district and parts of the Simpson and Tanami forecast districts. Specific locations that may be affected include:

• Yulara
• Kaltukatjara
• Walungurru
• Kulgera
• Curtin Springs
• Finke

What You Should Do

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

• Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter as conditions deteriorate.
• If driving in heavy rain, pull over if visibility is poor and park with hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
• Protect your home from flooding by creating sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand.
• 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 kit.
• For emergency help in floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low in northern Western Australia is feeding rich moisture along a surface trough, combining with an upper trough moving through southern WA. This system is expected to produce heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 mm and 80 mm are likely in the affected areas.

Timeline

Heavy rainfall is forecast to develop through the southwest starting late Sunday evening, March 15, 2026, and will continue during Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 5:00 pm ACST Sunday.