LOCATION/S: Simpson and parts of Barkly and Tanami districts
ALERT LEVEL: Watch and Act - There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family
WHAT TO DO:
Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter when conditions deterioratePull over if it is raining heavily and you cannot see, park with your hazard lights on until the rain clearsAvoid driving into water of unknown depth and currentCreate your own sandbags if there is flooding, by using pillow cases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your homeStay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterwaysEnsure pets and animals are safeBe prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kitStay informed by following SecureNT on Facebook or listen to ABC Local RadioMonitor conditions via [http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings]For emergency service in floods, storms or cyclones call 132 500In a life threatening situation call 000Take extra care on the roads, visit here for latest road conditions
THE BUREAU'S INFORMATION CURRENT AS AT: 10:58 pm Sunday, 22 February 2026.
RISKS FACED BY PEOPLE IN THE AREA:
Destructive windsTorrential rainPossible flash floodingPossible disruption to essential supplies like electricity, water and gas
ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC:
Weather Situation: A slow-moving tropical low is situated over the southeast of the NT near Jervois. Rich tropical moisture surrounding this system is bringing a broad risk of heavy to locally intense rainfall, as well as isolated damaging winds.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Barkly, Simpson and Tanami districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 90 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 140 mm are likely.
LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible, more likely overnight in the southern Barkly and northern Simpson districts. Isolated six-hourly totals to 120 mm are possible. Isolated 24-hourly totals to 200 mm are possible.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of about 90 km/h are possible near showers and thunderstorms.
There remains some uncertainty over the position and strength of the low, but severe weather may contract to just affect the Simpson district by Monday evening.
These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.
