Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Channel Country and parts of North West, Central West and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.

Issued at 9:58 pm Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL IN THE FAR SOUTHWEST OF THE STATE

Weather Situation: A slow-moving tropical low is located over the southeast of the Northern Territory. Rich tropical moisture surrounding this system is feeding into a trough in the southwest of the state, with persistent thunderstorm activity occurring.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely, with six hour rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm. 24 hour rainfall totals between 60 and 100 mm are likely, with isolated totals to 130 mm possible.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with slow-moving lines of thunderstorms overnight into Thursday morning. Six hour rainfall totals of around 110 mm are possible.

Showers and thunderstorms associated with the tropical low may affect the western Channel Country for much of the week.

These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.

Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Birdsville, Boulia, Bedourie, Ballera, Orientos and Glenormiston.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.