Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Initial Flood Watch for parts of the far north west of New South Wales
Issued at 12:34 pm AEDT on Monday 23 February 2026

Flood Watch Number: 1

FLOODING POSSIBLE IN THE FAR NORTH WEST OF NEW SOUTH WALES FROM TUESDAY

A very humid airmass lies over central Australia, associated with a slow-moving tropical low over the southern Northern Territory. The low extends a trough into the far northwest of NSW, which is expected to deepen on Tuesday. This system is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall across the Flood Watch Area during this week, with localised intense falls possible.

Catchments are currently relatively dry across the Flood Watch Area, but will respond to heavier rainfall.

The accumulated rainfall will be significant. Isolated river and creek level rises, localised flooding, and overland inundation are expected across parts of the Flood Watch Area from Monday. These conditions are likely to affect road access in many areas in the coming days. Some communities may become isolated. Road conditions should be checked before travelling.

At this stage, river levels along the Barwon-Darling River are expected to remain below minor flood levels.

Flood Classes (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Paroo River (NSW)

Mount Gunderbooka to Wokabity Lake

Bynguano-Lower Barrier Ranges

Cooper Creek

Lake Frome

Bulla-Bancannia District

A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rain is current for parts of northwest NSW. Flood Watches are current for Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Flood warnings are current for the following catchment(s) : Paroo (QLD, NSW), Cooper Creek (QLD), Bulloo (QLD).

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/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.

Rainfall and River Conditions Map