Update 1: Barkly and Central Australia flooding

12:00pm 25 February 2026

A slow-moving tropical low over the Barkly and Simpson districts is causing widespread flooding across southern parts of the Northern Territory.

Some areas have received more than 200mm of rain. Because the ground was already very wet, this has led to increased flooding and damage. Homes and businesses have been affected, along with roads and rail lines.

Several major transport routes have been impacted, including parts of the Stuart Highway, Tanami Road and Plenty Highway, and rail services to the Northern Territory have been disrupted.

Some remote communities have been isolated, and a number of residents from Murray Downs have self-relocated to Ali Curung. There were no evacuation orders.

Food supplies are being maintained by truck, with no predicted shortages of stock on shelves.

Residents and road users are advised to limit movements to essential travel only and to stay up-to-date with road closures at the Road Report NT website.