Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Channel Country Forecast District.

Issued at 4:56 pm Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

Heavy rainfall risk continuing about the central Channel Country into this evening.

Weather Situation: A rich tropical airmass extends over the centre of the country with a surface trough extending into the far southwest of Queensland. Meanwhile an upper trough is moving across eastern South Australia. This combination is bringing the risk of heavy rainfall to the far southwest of the state today. The upper trough will clear to the east overnight into Thursday morning with conditions expected to ease over the warning area.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for central parts of the Channel Country district this afternoon and into the evening. Six-hour rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm are possible, especially with thunderstorms.

Conditions are expected to ease below warning thresholds late this evening.

Flood Warnings are current for the area. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Ballera, Mt Howitt Station and Morney.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.