Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations
Major Flood Warning For The Katherine River
Issued at 09:23 PM ACST on Monday 23 March 2026
Flood Warning Number: 49
MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT NITMILUK CENTRE FROM TUESDAY MORNING
MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE AT KATHERINE BRIDGE FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
Moderate to heavy rainfall associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle has been observed across the Katherine River catchment since Sunday morning. Further showers and thunderstorms are possible over the next few days.
Moderate flooding is occurring along the Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre from Monday afternoon, where the river levels may reach around the major flood level from Tuesday morning, as upstream flows continue to arrive. Downstream along the Katherine River at Katherine Bridge, minor flooding is likely from Tuesday morning, with further rises to moderate flooding possible from Tuesday afternoon.
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:
Moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is possible along the Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre. Upstream at Birdie Creek, river levels are continuing to rise.
The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre is currently at 5.94 m and rising, with moderate flooding.
The Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre may reach around the major flood level (6.50 m) from Tuesday morning, as upstream flows continue to arrive.
Katherine Town:
Moderate flooding is possible along the Katherine River at Katherine Town.
The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is currently at 14.73 m and rising, below the minor flood level.
The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level (16.00 m) from Tuesday morning. The river may reach around the moderate flood level (16.50 m) from Tuesday afternoon, as upstream flows continue to arrive.
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 03:30 AM ACST on Tuesday 24 March 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Katherine River near Birdie Creek,6.79,rising,8:50 pm Mon 23/03/26
Seventeen Mile Creek at Waterfall View,2.97,falling,9:15 pm Mon 23/03/26
Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre,5.94,rising,9:11 pm Mon 23/03/26
Katherine River at Katherine Bridge,14.73,rising,9:11 pm Mon 23/03/26
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.
Forecast
Barunga (14.5246°S, 132.8644°E, 184m AMSL) set as my default location ›
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7 day forecast
Today: Partly cloudy. Very high chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. A thunderstorm likely from the late morning. Light winds.
Forecast for Barunga (14.5246°S, 132.8644°E, 184m AMSL) Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Summary
Minimum 23° 23° 23° 22° 22° 22° 22° Maximum 33° 32° 34° 35° 35° 34° 35° Chance of rain 70% 70% 40% 5% 10% 10% 60% Likely amount 10-20mm 1-5mm < 1mm < 1mm < 1mm < 1mm 1-5mm UV index Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Fire Danger Rating No Rating No Rating No Rating No Rating - - - Frost risk Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm Wind speed 10
(km/h)11
(km/h)8
(km/h)15
(km/h)12
(km/h)20
(km/h)8
(km/h)19
(km/h)10
(km/h)19
(km/h)14
(km/h)20
(km/h)13
(km/h)20
(km/h)Wind direction NE NNE ESE SE ESE ESE ESE SE SSE SE SE SE SE SE Relative humidity 85% 62% 89% 65% 84% 52% 81% 40% 74% 48% 73% 40% 77% 52% Dew point 24°C 25°C 24°C 25°C 24°C 23°C 23°C 20°C 22°C 23°C 21°C 19°C 23°C 24°C -
Sunrise and sunset times
Sunrise / Sunset for Barunga (14.5246°S, 132.8644°E, 184m AMSL) First light Sunrise Sunset Last light Moon rise Moon set Moon phase First quarter Full moon Last quarter New moon 6:24am CST 6:45am CST 6:49pm CST 7:10pm CST 11:38am CST 11:03pm CST
Waxing crescent
First quarter Mar 26 Full moon Apr 02 Last quarter Apr 10 New moon Apr 17 -
Warnings
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Temperature for next 7 days
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Rain for next 7 days