Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:10 pm ACST on Thursday 19 March 2026

Flood Watch Number: 1

FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS PARTS OF THE TOP END FROM LATE SATURDAY

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is located in the northern Coral Sea and is moving westwards towards the Queensland coast. Narelle is forecast to cross the Queensland coast on Friday morning, then continue moving west across the Gulf of Carpentaria, before impacting the Northern Territory over the weekend.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall to parts of the Top End. Catchments are wet to saturated across the Top End, and rivers and creeks will respond rapidly to heavy rainfall, with the potential for significant flooding from late Saturday.

There remains uncertainty as to the timing and track of the cyclone. This flood watch will be refined over the coming days based on the updated cyclone forecast track.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
East Kimberley Rivers

Victoria River below Kalkarindji
(Flooding more likely in northern parts)

Fitzmaurice River

Moyle River

Katherine River
(MInor flood warning current)

Daly River above Douglas River

Lower Daly River
(Major flood warning current)

Finniss River

Tiwi Islands

Upper Adelaide River

Adelaide River below Adelaide River Town

Mary River

Wildman River

South Alligator River

East Alligator River

Goomadeer River

Liverpool River

Blyth River

Goyder River

Buckingham River

Koolatong River

Walker River

Waterhouse River
(Minor flood warning current)

Roper River

Flood Warnings are current for the following catchment(s): Katherine, Lower Daly and Waterhouse

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