20/03/2026
NT EMERGENCY SERVICE MESSAGE: Flood Watch and Act – Katherine River – Prepare Now
THIS IS UPDATE: 41
RIVER: Katherine River Gorge Road, Katherine River at Katherine Bridge
LOCATION/S AFFECTED: Katherine and Nitmiluk
ALERT LEVEL: Watch and Act - Prepare Now
ACTION STATEMENTS:
• Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
• Stay informed by following SecureNT on Facebook or listen to ABC Local Radio
• Monitor conditions via www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings
• For emergency service in floods, storms or cyclones call 132 500
• In a life threatening situation call 000
• Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads
• Take extra care on the roads, visit https://roadreport.nt.gov.au for latest road conditions
BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY INFORMATION CURRENT AS AT: 10:00 am ACST on Friday 20 March 2026
RISKS FACED BY PEOPLE IN THE AREA:
• You may become isolated
• Property damage and destruction
• Livestock, and other animals and pets may become isolated
• Fast flowing flood water can contain objects that may injure or trap you
• Flood water may contain toxic waste, chemicals and dangerous animals
ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC:
MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT NITMILUK CENTRE FROM OVERNIGHT SUNDAY INTO MONDAY AND AT KATHERINE BRIDGE FROM MONDAY MORNING.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall to parts of the Top End. Forecast rain from late Saturday may cause significant and rapid river level rises across the Katherine River catchment.
The river level at Nitmiluk Centre is expected to exceed the minor flood level Sunday morning, and may exceed the moderate and major flood levels from overnight Sunday into Monday, and the river level at Katherine Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level overnight Sunday into Monday, and may exceed the moderate and major flood levels from Monday morning.
This situation will be closely monitored and this warning will be updated as required.
A Flood Watch is current for the Top End including the Katherine River catchment. A Tropical Cyclone Advice is also current for parts of the Northern Territory.
Katherine River Gorge Road:
Major flooding is possible along the Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre.
The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre is currently at 2.62 m and falling, below the minor flood level. The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre is expected to exceed the minor flood level (3.00 m) Sunday morning.
The river may exceed the moderate (5.50 m) and major (6.50 m) flood level overnight Sunday into Monday.
Katherine Town:
Major flooding is possible along the Katherine River at Katherine Town.
The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is currently at 11.63 m and falling, below the minor flood level. The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level (16.00 m) overnight Sunday into Monday.
The river may exceed the moderate (16.5 m) and major (17.5 m) flood level from Monday morning. Further rises are possible.
For more information:
• For all warnings, visit Secure NT website regularly or listen to ABC local radio
• For weather information, visit the Bureau of Meteorology
• For the latest river heights, visit Latest River Heights for the Northern Territory Rivers
• For power outage information, visit the Power and Water website
• For traffic and road closure information, visit the Road Report NT website
The next update will be provided by 11:00 am ACST on Saturday 21 March 2026.
