Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:40 am CST on Saturday 23 March 2024

Flood Watch Number: 18

RENEWED AND INCREASING FLOOD RISK FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF NORTHERN TERRITORY

A rain band and surface trough extend over central and southern parts of the Northern Territory, combining to produce showers, thunderstorms, and periods of rain for the next few days.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are relatively wet and responsive to rainfall, and river levels remain elevated in parts of the Flood Watch area.

Isolated rainfall totals up to 90 mm were recorded across the Flood Watch area in the 24 hours to 9:00 am Saturday following several days of heavy falls.

Rain and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are forecast over the next few days. Widespread daily falls of 30 to 70 mm are possible across the Flood Watch area, with isolated falls of 120 mm. Small chance of totals up to 150 mm are possible through the southern Tanami and northern Lasseter on Sunday.

The recent observed rainfall is causing flooding impacts, and with further rainfall forecast, impacts will become more widespread and severe over the coming days. Flood impacts may include road closures, including primary and secondary highways, and isolation of communities and homesteads. Check road conditions before travelling.

Moderate flood warnings are current for the McArthur River and the Daly River.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Upper Victoria River
Victoria River below Kalkarindji
Limmen Bight River
Rosie River
Robinson River
Calvert River
Settlement Creek
Nicholson River
Tanami Desert
Barkly
Central Desert
Western Desert
MacDonnell Ranges
Simpson Desert
Georgina River and Eyre Creek
East Kimberley Rivers
Sturt Creek District

See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings to view all of the Bureau's current warning products.

More information on the Flood Watch Service and maps of Flood Watch areas are available at www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml .

Flood Safety Advice:
The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:

* Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.

* Prepare for flooding and move away while safe to do so.

* Don't drive into floodwaters.

For emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones call 132 500.

Emergency information is available at www.securent.nt.gov.au .

Rainfall and River Conditions Map