Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Channel Country Forecast District.

Issued at 10:37 am Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

Heavy rainfall continuing about the southern Channel Country.

Weather Situation: A rich tropical airmass extends over the centre of the country with a surface trough extending into the far southwest of the state. Meanwhile an upper trough is moving across eastern South Australia. This combination is bringing the risk of heavy rainfall to the far southwest of the state today.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for southern parts of the Channel Country district today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm are possible, especially with thunderstorms.

Conditions are expected to ease below warning thresholds during this evening.

Flood Warnings are current for the area. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Birdsville, Ballera, Orientos, Mt Howitt Station, Nappa Merrie and Durrie.

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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.