Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Katherine River Issued at 09:57 AM ACST on Friday 20 March 2026 Flood Warning Number: 41 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. 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 10:30 AM ACST on Saturday 21 March 2026. Latest River Heights: Katherine River near Birdie Creek,4.30,steady,7:40 am Fri 20/03/26 Seventeen Mile Creek at Waterfall View,2.37,falling,9:45 am Fri 20/03/26 Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre,2.62,falling,9:21 am Fri 20/03/26 Katherine River at Katherine Bridge,11.63,falling,9:41 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.