Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North West, Channel Country and Central West Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:35 am Sunday, 4 February 2024.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS CONTRACTS TO CHANNEL COUNTRY DURING SUNDAY.

Weather situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently located north of Urandangi, close to the Northern Territory border. The system will continue to track to the south, remaining close to the border overnight and move into the Channel Country during Sunday morning, before picking up speed and obtaining a more southeasterly track later on Sunday evening and into Monday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected in western parts of the North West and Channel Country districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, more likely near the Queensland and Northern Territory border. 24-hourly totals between 80 and 150 mm 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 side of the system. Isolated six-hourly totals between 80 and 120 mm are possible with 24-hourly totals exceeding 200 mm. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS in excess of 90 km/h are also possible near thunderstorms near the system.

Conditions are expected to ease in the North West District during Sunday morning, but continue through parts of the Channel Country into Monday.

A Flood Watch and several Flood Warnings are also current for the North West, Central West, Channel Country and Gulf of Carpentaria catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Birdsville, Windorah, Boulia, Bedourie, Urandangi and Ballera.

Latest significant observations:

155 mm was observed at Herbert Vale in 24 hours to 9 am Saturday.
142 mm was observed at Norfolk Station in 24 hours to 9 am Saturday.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.