Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Katherine River Issued at 10:09 AM ACST on Saturday 21 March 2026 Flood Warning Number: 42 MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT NITMILUK CENTRE FROM OVERNIGHT SUNDAY AND AT KATHERINE BRIDGE FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall to parts of the Top End. Forecast rain from late Saturday is likely to cause significant and rapid river level rises across the Katherine River catchment. Minor flooding is expected at Nitmiluk Centre Sunday morning and major flooding may develop from overnight Sunday. Minor flooding is likely at Katherine Bridge from overnight Sunday and major flooding may develop from Monday 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 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 2.17 m and steady, 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 levels overnight Sunday into Monday. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall. Katherine Town: Major flooding is possible along the Katherine River at Katherine Town. The Katherine River at Katherine Bridge is currently at 10.11 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) flood level from Monday morning and major (17.5 m) flood level from Monday afternoon. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall. 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 Sunday 22 March 2026. Latest River Heights: Katherine River near Birdie Creek,4.28,steady,6:00 am Sat 21/03/26 Seventeen Mile Creek at Waterfall View,1.99,steady,9:45 am Sat 21/03/26 Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre,2.17,steady,9:51 am Sat 21/03/26 Katherine River at Katherine Bridge,10.11,falling,9:56 am Sat 21/03/26 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.