Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Flood Watch for parts of the Eastern, Central and Western Inland Areas of the Northern Territory
Issued at 12:25 pm ACST on Sunday 22 February 2026

Flood Watch Number: 5

RIVER LEVEL RISES AND AREAS OF FLOODING ARE OCCURRING IN THE BARKLY AND GEORGINA RIVERS

RIVER LEVEL RISES AND AREAS OF FLOODING ARE EXPECTED TO EXTEND INTO THE OTHER CENTRAL, WESTERN AND EASTERN CATCHMENTS IN THE FLOOD WATCH AREA FROM SUNDAY INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK

A broad trough extends over central parts of the Northern Territory, with an embedded low over the southern Barkly District. The low is expected to move slowly southward over the coming days, bringing widespread heavy rainfall, with isolated heavier falls across the Flood Watch Area.

This rainfall has resulted in river level rises and flooding across the Barkly and Georgina River catchments since Saturday, and rainfall and flooding is expected to continue during Sunday and into Monday and Tuesday. River and creek level rises and areas of flooding are also expected across the Central Desert and eastern parts of the Tanami Desert catchment from Sunday. In the MacDonnell Ranges, Finke River, Stephenson Creek and Simpson Desert catchments flooding is possible from Monday onwards.

Catchments are wet across the Flood Watch Area and will respond to further rainfall.

The accumulated rainfall over the next few days will be significant. River and creek level rises, localised flooding, and overland inundation are occurring and expected across parts of the Flood Watch Area. These conditions are likely to affect road access in many areas in the coming days. Some communities will become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Georgina River and Eyre Creek

Finke River and Stephenson Creek

MacDonnell Ranges

Simpson Desert

Central Desert

Tanami Desert(for eastern areas)

Barkly(for southern areas)

A Flood Watch is current in South Australia for the Finke River, Stephenson Creek and Simpson Desert. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy to locally intense rainfall is current for the Simpson and parts of the Barkly and Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory.

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.securent.nt.gov.au.
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Rainfall and River Conditions Map