Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding for North West and North East Pastoral Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDS21037) for heavy rainfall. This high-priority alert was issued at 10:36 am ACDT on Sunday, 15 March 2026, for residents in the North West and North East Pastoral districts of South Australia.

Affected Areas

The warning covers significant portions of the North West Pastoral and North East Pastoral districts. Specific locations that may be affected by these conditions include:

• Marla
• Coober Pedy
• Oodnadatta
• Marree
• Ernabella
• Amata

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning zone to take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, ride, or walk through flood water.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Stay indoors and away from windows while weather conditions remain severe.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low in northern Western Australia is feeding 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 regions. Flood watches and warnings are currently in effect for the area.

Timeline

Heavy rainfall is forecast to develop through the northwest late this evening, Sunday, 15 March. The weather system is expected to move slowly eastward throughout Monday. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 5:00 pm ACDT Sunday.