Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Tiwi and parts of Daly and Arnhem districts.

Issued at 2:46 pm Friday, 16 January 2026.

Heavy rainfall possible about the western Top End from Saturday evening.

Weather situation: A tropical low (16U) is forecast to form within the monsoon trough over the western Top End during the weekend. This low is expected to move to the west and may move offshore into the Timor Sea by Monday. There is the possibility of heavy rainfall about the northwest Top End associated with the monsoon trough and tropical low.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING may develop about northwestern parts of the Top End, including the Tiwi Islands and Coburg Peninsula, from Saturday evening. 6-hourly totals of 30 to 70mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 140 mm possible. 24-hourly totals of 30 to 100mm are likely, with isolated falls of 200mm possible. Rainfall is expected to ease for inland parts of the warning area from late Sunday, but persist about coastal areas into Monday morning.

Warning areas and rainfall rates are dependent upon the development and movement of Tropical Low 16U. Residents of the Top End should monitor forecasts for updates.

Flood watches are currently in place for the Western Top End Rivers. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

Locations which may be affected include Darwin, Palmerston, Wurrumiyanga, Nauiyu, Batchelor, Adelaide River, Milikapiti, Pirlangimpi, Dundee Beach and Minjilang.

The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
* secure loose outside objects and seek shelter when conditions deteriorate
* pull over if it is raining heavily and you cannot see, park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears
* avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current
* create your own sandbags if there is flooding, by using pillow cases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home
* stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
* ensure pets and animals are safe
* be prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
* for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.securent.nt.gov.au