Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:00 am CST on Tuesday 16 January 2024

Flood Watch Number: 5

FLOODING OCCURRING IN NORTH WESTERN RIVERS, AND POSSIBLE IN BONAPARTE, NORTHERN TANAMI, NORTHERN BARKLY AND WESTERN PARTS OF CARPENTARIA

A tropical low within the monsoon trough lies over the southwestern Top End and will drift slowly eastwards and deepen during the next few days, producing heavy rainfall over the Flood Watch area.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are wetting up from recent rainfall. Further areas of Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast for the next few days across the Flood Watch area. Widespread heavy rainfall is likely to increase as the monsoon low strengthens. Widespread daily rainfall totals of 60 - 100 mm on Tuesday and 100 - 150 mm on Wednesday are likely, with isolated heavier daily rainfall totals exceeding 250 mm possible.

Significant river, creek, and stream rises are occurring across the Adelaide, Daly, Katherine and Victoria Rivers and are likely for other parts of the flood watch area. Minor to major flooding is possible with forecast rainfall.

Many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways may be affected. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Upper Victoria River(A generalised warning is current)
Victoria River below Kalkarindji
Fitzmaurice River
Mary River
Upper Adelaide River(A minor flood warning is current)
Adelaide River below Adelaide River Town
Finniss River
Lower Daly River
Daly River above Douglas River
Katherine River
Moyle River
South Alligator River
Wildman River
Waterhouse River
Roper River
Tanami Desert(Applies to northern Tanami)
Barkly(Applies to northern Barkly)

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 .

The latest road conditions are available at www.roadreport.nt.gov.au .

Rainfall and River Conditions Map