This evening, 29 January, the Darwin River Dam reached capacity and has started to spill.
Spilling from the dam has frequently occurred during previous wet seasons and is normal.
The dam is designed to overflow when it reaches capacity, to reduce pressure on its wall.
During spillway overflow, river levels downstream of the dam may rise rapidly and cause sudden changes in levels at road crossings downstream from the dam.
Localised rainfall also influences the water levels.
With increasing awareness of safety risks, public access to Darwin River Dam is now restricted.
Power and Water does not and cannot provide information on downstream river levels or predictions about areas that may be inundated during normal spillway overflow.
Litchfield Council and Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency services continue to monitor the surrounding areas for any issues around flooding and safety.
Power and Water advises that for your own safety, stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways. Prepare for flooding and move away while it is safe to do so. Don't drive into floodwaters.
If you need emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones call NT Emergency Services on 132 500.
If your life is in danger, call 000.
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