Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:42 am Friday, 2 February 2024.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS TO EXTEND SOUTH THIS WEEKEND.

Weather situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently located just east of Wollogorang. The system is expected to remain slow-moving today before shifting quickly towards the south along or close to the Northern Territory and Queensland border this weekend. At this stage, the system and associated severe weather is expected to clear the territory by late Sunday, although uncertainty remains with its exact track.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected about eastern parts of the Carpentaria today, extending to eastern parts of the Barkly during Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 and 150 mm are likely. 24-hourly totals between 150 and 250 mm with isolated falls of 300mm are possible.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible close to the low, particularly on the southern and western sides of the system. Isolated six-hourly totals between 150 and 200 mm are possible, with 24-hourly totals exceeding 300 mm. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

Locally DAMAGING WINDS from the west to northwest averaging 60 to 70 km/h are likely on the eastern coastal fringe of the Carpentaria today. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS in excess of 90 km/h are also possible across the Carpentaria today, extending into the eastern Barkly on Saturday.

Locations which may be affected include Alpurrurulam, Wollogorang, Avon Downs and Barkly District east of Tennant Creek.

The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
* secure loose outside objects and seek shelter when conditions deteriorate
* pull over if it is raining heavily and you cannot see, park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears
* avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current
* create your own sandbags if there is flooding, by using pillow cases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home
* stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
* ensure pets and animals are safe
* be prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
* for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.securent.nt.gov.au