Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:10 am ACST on Friday 6 March 2026 Flood Watch Number: 9

WIDESPREAD FLOODING IN PARTS OF NORTH WEST COASTAL RIVERS

A monsoon trough sits across the base of the Top End for the next few days.
Tropical Low 31U is sitting within this trough, and is currently located to the east of Katherine. Tropical Low 31U is expected to move slowly west today and tomorrow, but the exact position of the system becomes more uncertain later this weekend and early next week.

Associated heavy rainfall is possible anywhere near the trough, but will be more focussed to the west of the low. Heavy rainfall is most likely within parts of western Arnhem, Daly, and into the Darwin and Adelaide catchments for the rest of today and into tomorrow morning. During the day on Saturday, coastal parts of the Gregory are also at risk of heavy rainfall.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are wet from recent rainfall.

Widespread heavy rainfall has been recorded across the Daly and Roper River catchments in the past 24 hours to 9:00 am Friday, causing rapid river level rises and significant flooding.

Rainfall may cause further significant water level rises in rivers and creeks as well as prolonged overland flooding and ponding. Roads may become impassable. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

A severe weather warning is current for heavy rainfall in the Daly and parts of Arnhem and Carpentaria districts.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

East Kimberley Rivers

Upper Victoria River

Victoria River below Kalkarindji

Fitzmaurice River

Moyle River

Katherine River (Major flood warning current)

Daly River above Douglas River (Major flood warning current)

Lower Daly River

Finniss River

Upper Adelaide River

Adelaide River below Adelaide River Town

Walker River

Waterhouse River (Major flood warning current)

Roper River (Flood warning current)

Towns River

Limmen Bight River

Rosie River

McArthur River

Robinson River

Calvert River

Settlement Creek

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts
For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood

Safety Advice:
* Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
* Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
* Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
* For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.securent.nt.gov.au.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.


Rainfall and River Conditions Map