Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Simpson, Lasseter and Tanami districts.

Issued at 10:59 am Friday, 22 March 2024.

Heavy rainfall continuing across southwest NT.

Weather Situation: A very moist environment remains in place after the passage of ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan through central NT over the last few days, combining with a mid to upper level trough to produce a band of heavy rainfall through southwest NT. Heavy rainfall is likely to increase overnight before easing tomorrow morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the Tanami, far western Barkly and parts of the Simpson and Lasseter districts for the remainder of today and into tomorrow morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 80 mm are possible, with 24-hourly rainfall totals up to 120 mm.

A Flood Watch and Flood Warnings are current for much of central and southern NT. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Yuendumu, Ti Tree, Papunya, Nyirripi and south west Tanami District near WA border.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Barkly district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

In the 24 hours to 9am Friday:

127.8 mm was recorded at Rabbit Flat.

95.0 mm was recorded at The Granites.

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