Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Channel Country Forecast District.

Issued at 4:16 pm Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Heavy rainfall developing 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 South Australia. This combination will lead to the development of heavy rainfall in the far southwest of the state from this afternoon into Wednesday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for southern parts of the Channel Country district from this evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely.

Conditions are expected to ease below warning thresholds by late Wednesday.

Flood Watches and 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, Morney and Nappa Merrie.

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.