Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:39 am ACDT on Tuesday 17 March 2026

Flood Watch Number: 5

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

A tropical low situated near the Northern Territory border is feeding tropical moisture along a surface trough to its southeast. Meanwhile an upper trough is moving across the southwest of South Australia. The combination of these two systems is continuing to bring the risk of heavy rainfall to northeastern parts of the state during Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

Forecast rainfall may cause further river and creek level rises, prolonged overland flooding, and ponding from Tuesday 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

Lake Frome

Finke River and Stephenson Creek

Simpson Desert

Eastern Great Victoria Desert

Warburton District Rivers

A Severe Weather Warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall is current for the North East Pastoral District. Flood warnings are current for the following catchment(s) : Warburton and Cooper

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