Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Katherine River
Issued at 03:01 AM ACST on Wednesday 25 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 54

MAJOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT NITMILUK CENTRE, MAY PEAK NEAR 7.7 METRES LATE WEDNESDAY MORNING
MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT KATHERINE BRIDGE FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
Moderate to heavy rainfall associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle since Sunday has caused significant river level rises along the Katherine River and its tributaries. Along the Katherine River at Nitmiluk, river levels peaked above the moderate flood level overnight Monday due to combined flows from Seventeen Mile Creek and the Upper Katherine River at Birdie Creek. Renewed rises and a second larger flood peak were observed at Birdie Creek during Tuesday morning. As the flows from this second flood peak travel downstream, major flooding is occurring at Nitmiluk with a major peak expected late Wednesday morning.
Downstream at Katherine Bridge, minor flooding is occurring with rises expected to continue through the moderate flood level early Wednesday morning. The river level may exceed the major flood level Wednesday afternoon. Peak forecasts for Katherine Bridge will be provided after a peak is observed at Nitmiluk Centre.
Further showers and thunderstorms are possible over the next few days and further river level rises are possible. This situation will be closely monitored and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Top End.

Katherine River Gorge Road:
Major flooding is occurring along the Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre.
The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre is currently at 7.06 m and rising, above the major flood level (6.50 m).
The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre may peak near 7.70 m late Wednesday morning, with major flooding. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

Katherine Town:
Major flooding is possible along the Katherine River at Katherine Town.
The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is currently at 16.17 m and rising, above the minor flood level (16.00 m).
The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (16.50 m) early Wednesday morning. The river may exceed the major flood level (17.50 m) Wednesday afternoon. Further rises are possible with forecast rain. Peak forecasts will be provided as upstream peaks are observed.

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.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 09:30 AM ACST on Wednesday 25 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Katherine River near Birdie Creek,7.00,falling,1:50 am Wed 25/03/26
Seventeen Mile Creek at Waterfall View,2.38,falling,2:45 am Wed 25/03/26
Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre,7.06,rising,2:51 am Wed 25/03/26
Katherine River at Katherine Bridge,16.17,rising,2:56 am Wed 25/03/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Minor Flood Warning For The Waterhouse River And Flood Warning For The Roper River
Issued at 02:38 AM ACST on Wednesday 25 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 12

RENEWED MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT BESWICK BRIDGE WEDNESDAY MORNING
Recent moderate to heavy rainfall associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle has caused river level rises and flooding across the Waterhouse River and Roper River catchments. After a moderate flood peak along the Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge early Tuesday morning, river levels fell below the minor flood level Tuesday evening. Further rainfall observed overnight Tuesday into Wednesday is likely to cause renewed river level rises, with renewed minor flooding possible at Beswick Bridge Wednesday morning.
Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast during Wednesday which may cause further river level rises. The situation is being monitored and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch remains in place for parts of the Top End.

Waterhouse River:
Renewed minor flooding is possible along the Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge.
The Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge is currently at 7.37 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
Renewed river level rises are likely along the Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge. The river may exceed the minor flood level (7.70 m) Wednesday morning.

Roper River below Elsey Creek:
River levels remain elevated throughout the Roper River catchment.

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.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 11:00 AM ACST on Wednesday 25 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Waterhouse River at Diljin Hill (Downstream),5.10,rising,1:45 am Wed 25/03/26
Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge,7.37,steady,2:15 am Wed 25/03/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Australia

Flood Watch For Parts Of The Top End
Issued at 11:54 AM ACST on Tuesday 24 March 2026
Flood Watch Number: 6
MODERATE TO MAJOR FLOODING OCCURRING ACROSS PARTS OF THE TOP END
ONGOING FLOOD IMPACTS LIKELY TO CONTINUE ACROSS THE FLOOD WATCH AREA FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Fitzmaurice River
Moyle River
Finniss River
Tiwi Islands
Upper Adelaide River
Mary River
Wildman River
South Alligator River
East Alligator River
Goomadeer River
Liverpool River
Blyth River
Goyder River
Buckingham River
Koolatong River
Walker River

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

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

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.

Next issue:
The next Flood Watch will be issued by 01:00 PM ACST on Wednesday 25 March 2026.