Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Flood Watch for parts of North and North-West South Australia
Issued at 11:30 am ACDT on Monday 16 March 2026

Flood Watch Number: 4

FLOODING POSSIBLE IN PARTS OF THE NORTH AND NORTH-WEST CATCHMENTS FROM MONDAY

A trough of low pressure over northern South Australia is generating widespread rain, assisted by an inflow of humid tropical air. This system brings a risk of heavy rain to northern parts of the state from Monday. The trough and heavy rain risk will shift slowly east during Tuesday and Wednesday, clearing the state by Thursday.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are moderately wet and are likely to respond quickly to rainfall.

Forecast rainfall may cause river and creek level rises, prolonged overland flooding, and ponding from Monday onwards. Roads access may be affected, and some communities and homesteads my become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Warburton River

Cooper Creek

Lake Eyre

Finke River and Stephenson Creek

Simpson Desert

Eastern Great Victoria Desert

Warburton District Rivers

Flood warnings are current for the following catchments: Warburton and Cooper (for floodwaters arriving from QLD)

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.ses.sa.gov.au/incidents-and-warnings/incidents-and-warnings-map/.
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Rainfall and River Conditions Map