Update 3: Flooding Katherine and Wugularr (Beswick)
3pm Saturday 7 March 2026
Emergency warnings are in place for Katherine Township, Nitmiluk and Wugularr (Beswick).
The Katherine River is expected to peak in town at around 19.2m later today.
Residents should be prepared for possible power outages during the flood.
Boil water alert
Heavy rainfall and flooding in the area may have impacted the water supply system.
The Department of Health has issued a Boil Water Alert for the community - use cooled boiled water or bottled water for:
- drinking
- preparing food
- preparing baby formula
- brushing teeth.
Residents are urged to conserve the water supply for the above uses only.
Power and water
Power has been isolated to 90 houses in Katherine.
If anyone sees damaged Power and Water infrastructure, please call 1800 245 092.
Shelters
The following Katherine emergency shelters are open now to public.
| Shelter | Location |
|---|---|
| Katherine High School | Grevillea Street, Katherine East |
| MacFarlane Primary School | Grevillea Street, Katherine East |
| Casuarina Street Primary School | Corner Casuarina Street and Needham Terrace, Katherine |
Before you shelter, it's important to know:
- Shelters are not catered.
- Bring at least 3 days of food and drinking water, medications and essential supplies.
- No alcohol, no smoking and no cooking allowed.
- Bring your own bedding.
- Do not bring your pets. Leave your pets at home with food and water. Do not tie them up at home.
Schools and government offices
Schools and government offices in Katherine are now closed.
Beswick (Wugularr): Waterhouse River at major flood level but has peaked; residents moved from bottom camp to top camp.
Road update
The final Katherine flood levee was activated at 7pm Friday 6 March 2026. The Katherine High Level Bridge is closed. The Stuart Highway is now CLOSED between Katherine CBD and Katherine East.
If you’re going to shelter GO NOW while Bicentennial Road is still open. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Current road closures remain in place:
- The Stuart Highway is closed north and south of Katherine – between the Pine Creek turn off and Emungalan Road, and between the Katherine weigh bridge and Central Arnhem Road.
- Chambers Drive is closed, including access to First Street and Lindsay Street from Chambers Drive.
The Bicentennial Loop Road is currently open, however water over the road is expected to rise and closure may be required at short notice. If you’re planning to go to an emergency shelter, GO NOW while Bicentennial Loop Road is still open.
Road conditions can change rapidly. Stay updated with the latest information from SecureNT and roadreport.nt.gov.au
Katherine District Hospital
NT Health is enacting emergency management plans to evacuate the Katherine Hospital in preparation for potential major flooding of the Katherine River.
There are 21 patients in the hospital that will be evacuated. This includes 3 high acuity and 18 low acuity patients.
In addition, up to 20 pregnant women, will also be evacuated as a precaution.
The patients will be transported via ambulance to the Katherine Airport. The high acuity patients will be transferred by Careflight.
NT Health staff are working with the Australian Defence Force to arrange for an aircraft to transport the remaining low acuity patients.
Patients will be sent to out other NT Health hospitals in Darwin, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Gove depending on capacity, level of acuity and clinical need.
Family and friends of evacuated patients are required to remain in Katherine at a safe place as the Stuart Highway is closed due to flooding on either side of the Katherine township and it is not safe to travel.
NT Health staff will keep you informed of your loved one’s condition and will keep you updated of any changes.
Individuals residing in staff accommodation at the Katherine Hospital precinct have been told to leave the area and go to a safe place. Staff have had flood plans in place since the start of the wet season and are well placed to make these arrangements.
Work is also being done to accommodate and inform locum staff and their agencies about potential flood impacts and to make alternative arrangements.
Medical care in Katherine
NT Health is in the process of establishing a mini Emergency Department at the St John Ambulance headquarters in Katherine located at:
Lot 3159 Chardon Street
Katherine
08 8972 8500
It is expected the mini–ED will be operational by lunchtime today.
Anyone experiencing a health emergency needs to Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For other health related enquiries, contact Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
Sandbags in Katherine
NT Emergency Service crews in Katherine have sandbags for residents to protect their homes and businesses during the flooding.
You can pick up sandbags from 14 Chardon Street, Katherine.
If community members require sandbags, you can attend NTES Katherine or call 132 500.