Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Arnhem and Carpentaria districts.

Issued at 4:46 am Friday, 15 March 2024.

Damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall expected for the northern Top End east of Darwin.

Weather Situation: A tropical low near the Top End coast near Milingimbi is forecast to move to the east-southeast roughly along the Top End coast Friday morning, before moving offshore into the Gulf of Carpentaria later on Friday. A vigorous monsoonal flow on the northern flank of the low will bring the risk of damaging winds gusts to the northeastern Arnhem coast, while heavy rainfall is more likely further inland on the southern and western flanks of the low.

Strong west to northwesterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible along the north Arnhem coast east of Maningrida Friday morning, potentially extending to the northeast Arnhem, including Nhulunbuy, during Friday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for western parts of the Arnhem district on Friday morning, contracting to eastern parts of the Arnhem district by Friday afternoon. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 150 mm are possible, with 24 hour totals of around 180 mm also possible.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for DAMAGING SURF is current for coastal areas between Cape Wessel and the Cobourg Peninsula. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings/ for more information.

A Flood Watch is current for northern and western Top End catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Nhulunbuy, Jabiru, Maningrida, Milingimbi, Alyangula and Numbulwar.

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

Highest Rainfall since 9am Thursday:

109 mm at Point Stuart

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