Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Waterhouse River Issued at 09:27 AM ACST on Friday 20 March 2026 Flood Warning Number: 4 MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT BESWICK BRIDGE FROM SUNDAY WITH FORECAST RAINFALL 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 Waterhouse River catchment, where river levels at Beswick Bridge are likely to exceed minor flood level overnight Saturday into Sunday and may exceed the major flood level from Sunday. The situation will be closely monitored and this warning will be updated as required. A Flood Watch is current for parts of Top End including Waterhouse and Roper River catchments. A tropical cyclone advise is also current for parts of NT. Waterhouse River: Rapid river rises and major flooding may develop along the Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge from Sunday. The Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge is currently at 5.83 m and falling, below the minor flood level. The Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level (7.70 m) overnight Saturday into Sunday. The river may exceed the major flood level (8.70 m) during Sunday, with forecast rainfall. Further rises are possible. 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 Saturday 21 March 2026. Latest River Heights: Waterhouse River at Diljin Hill (Downstream),2.78,steady,6:30 am Fri 20/03/26 Waterhouse River at Beswick Bridge,5.83,falling,9:15 am Fri 20/03/26 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.