Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:03 pm CST on Sunday 17 March 2024

Flood Watch Number: 12

RENEWED AND INCREASING FLOOD RISK FOR THE CARPENTARIA, NORTH WESTERN, ARNHEM, BARKLY, AND EASTERN DALY DISTRICTS

Tropical Cyclone Megan has formed offshore to the east of Alyangula. The cyclone is forecast to reach Category 3 intensity before crossing the southwest coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria by early Tuesday morning. Flooding impacts are likely in the Flood Watch area 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.

Rainfall totals up to 80 mm were recorded across the Flood Watch area in the 24 hours to 11 am Sunday following several days of heavy falls.

Rain and storms with isolated heavy falls are forecast over the next few days. Widespread daily totals of 100-200 mm are possible during the next few days across the Flood Watch area. Isolated heavy falls in excess of 300 mm are possible, with the heaviest totals likely to occur near the system centre.

Rainfall and areas of flooding over the next few days may continue to adversely affect many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

A Moderate Flood Warning is current for the Daly River and a Minor Flood Warning is current for the Katherine River from previous rainfall.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Mary River
Daly River above Douglas River
Katherine River
South Alligator River
Wildman River
Buckingham River
Goyder River
Blyth River
Liverpool River
Goomadeer River
East Alligator River
Koolatong River
Walker River
Groote Eylandt
Waterhouse River
Roper River
Towns River
Limmen Bight River
Rosie River
McArthur River
Robinson River
Calvert River
Settlement Creek
Nicholson River
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