Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy Rainfall

for parts of Upper Western Forecast District.

Issued at 10:59 am Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

Heavy rainfall about the Upper Western today.

Weather Situation
Ample tropical moisture extends over the centre of the country with a surface trough extending into the far northwest of the state. Meanwhile an upper trough is moving across eastern South Australia. This combination will lead to heavy rainfall in the far northwest of the state today.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Upper Western
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Upper Western district today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm are possible, especially with thunderstorms.
Conditions are expected to ease below warning thresholds during this evening.
A Flood Warning for the Paroo River is 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 Tibooburra, White Cliffs, Fowlers Gap and Milparinka.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEDT Wednesday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy Rainfall

for parts of Upper Western Forecast District.

Issued at 10:59 am Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

Heavy rainfall about the Upper Western today.

Weather Situation
Ample tropical moisture extends over the centre of the country with a surface trough extending into the far northwest of the state. Meanwhile an upper trough is moving across eastern South Australia. This combination will lead to heavy rainfall in the far northwest of the state today.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Upper Western
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Upper Western district today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm are possible, especially with thunderstorms.
Conditions are expected to ease below warning thresholds during this evening.
A Flood Warning for the Paroo River is 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 Tibooburra, White Cliffs, Fowlers Gap and Milparinka.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEDT Wednesday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Minor Flood Warning For The Paroo River (Nsw)
Issued at 02:09 PM AEDT on Monday 16 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 22

MINOR FLOODING LIKELY AT WILLARA CROSSING AND WANAARING
River levels are likely to remain around the minor flood level at Willara Crossing and Wanaaring.
Further heavy rain is forecast on Tuesday with renewed river level rises possible along the Paroo River from overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

Paroo River (NSW):
Minor flooding is likely along the Paroo River downstream of Hungerford.

The Paroo River at Willara Crossing peaked Friday morning around 1.29 m with minor flooding. The river level is currently at 0.67 m and falling, just below the minor flood level.
The Paroo River at Willara Crossing is likely to remain around the minor flood level (0.70 m) into Tuesday. Renewed river level rises are possible with forecast rain overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. The river may exceed 1.20 m during Wednesday or Thursday, with minor flooding.

The Paroo River at Wanaaring is currently at 2.30 m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Paroo River at Wanaaring is likely to remain around the minor flood level (2.40 m) into Tuesday. Renewed river level rises are possible with forecast rain overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

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.nsw.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 03:00 PM AEDT on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Cuttaburra Channel at Turra,1.57,steady,1:45 pm Mon 16/03/26
Paroo River at Caiwarro,1.22,steady,12:00 pm Mon 16/03/26
Paroo River at Hungerford,0.48,falling,6:00 am Sun 15/03/26
Paroo River at Willara Crossing,0.67,falling,1:30 pm Mon 16/03/26
Paroo River at Wanaaring,2.30,steady,1:00 pm Mon 16/03/26

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.