Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gulf Country Forecast District.

Issued at 4:50 pm Friday, 16 February 2024.
Heavy rainfall and risk of damaging wind gusts to continue across the western Gulf Country.

Weather Situation: Tropical Cyclone Lincoln is crossing the southern Gulf of Carpentaria between Port McArthur and the Queensland/Northern Territory Border. The system is forecast to track towards the southwest through central parts of the Northern Territory this 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 for the remainder of the day and through Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 to 90 mm are likely with 24-hourly totals up to 150 mm possible. The risk of widespread heavy rainfall may ease by Saturday evening.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90 km/h remain possible west of Augustus Downs Station, including Mornington Island. The risk of damaging wind gusts is expected to cease by dawn on Saturday morning.
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 Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Burketown, 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.