Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 1:18 pm Friday, 16 February 2024.

Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts across the Gulf Country

Weather Situation: Tropical Cyclone Lincoln has formed in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. A coastal crossing is expected between Port McArthur and the NT/Qld Border this afternoon. The system is forecast to track towards the southwest through central parts of the Northern Territory through the weekend, gradually clearing widespread severe weather from the Gulf Country.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the western Gulf Country today and through Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 to 90 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 150 mm are likely with falls up to 200 mm near the low.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 100 km/h are possible over western parts of the Gulf Country.

Intense rainfall is no longer expected across the Gulf Country.

A separate Tropical Cyclone Advice is also current. See http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml for more information.
Flood Warnings are current for the area, please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Doomadgee, Burketown, Karumba, Augustus Downs Station, Westmoreland Station and Lawn Hill.

Significant 24 hour rainfall totals to 9 am Friday AEST:
227 mm at Sweers Island
155 mm at Burketown Airport

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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.