Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:02 pm Thursday, 26 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 broad, near stationary trough in the southwest of the state, with persistent rain areas and thunderstorm activity likely to continue. The low is expected to move slowly to the west during remainder of today and Friday.

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 this evening and overnight into Friday morning. Six hour rainfall totals of around 110 mm are possible.

These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.

The risk of widespread heavy falls is likely to contract westwards towards the NT border on Friday morning and clear from the state later on Friday.

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, Glenormiston, Davenport Downs Station and Morney.

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.