Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:06 pm AWST on Thursday 19 March 2026

Flood Watch Number: 1

FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS PARTS OF THE KIMBERLEY FROM MONDAY

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is currently located off the Queensland coast in the northern Coral Sea and is moving westwards. This system is forecast to cross the Cape York Peninsula during Friday, then continue westwards across the Northern Territory during the weekend and into Western Australia around Monday.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is forecast to bring widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall to the northeastern parts of the Kimberley from Monday. Catchments are wet to saturated across the Kimberley, and rivers and creeks will respond rapidly to heavy rainfall.

River and creek level rises, prolonged overland flooding and ponding are possible from Monday. Roads may be affected, and some communities may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

There remains uncertainty as to the timing and track of the cyclone. The areas included in the Flood Watch will be refined over the coming days based on the updated cyclone forecast track.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
North Kimberley Rivers

East Kimberley Rivers
(Flooding more likely in northern parts)

A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Top End.

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.emergency.wa.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