Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:33 pm CST on Thursday 15 February 2024

Flood Watch Number: 5

FLOODING POSSIBLE IN PARTS OF CARPENTARIA COASTAL RIVERS, BARKLY, TANAMI DESERT AND UPPER VICTORIA RIVER

The monsoon trough lies over the eastern Top End and a tropical low is located over the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms and areas of rain across the Carpentaria Coastal Rivers. The tropical low will move across the northern Barkly on Saturday and then west across the southern Gregory or Tanami Districts bringing further heavy rainfall.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are relatively wet due to rainfall over recent weeks and are likely to respond relatively quickly to further heavy rainfall.

Daily rainfall totals of 60-80 mm are expected across the flood watch area with isolated heavier falls near the low. Rainfall will increase across the Carpentaria Coastal Rivers from Friday with daily rainfall totals of 60-90 mm expected and isolated heavier falls above 250 mm possible.

Significant river, creek, and stream rises are likely with heavy rainfall, with minor flooding possible across parts of the Flood Watch area.

Many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways may be affected. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Upper Victoria River
McArthur River
Robinson River
Calvert River
Settlement Creek
Nicholson River
Tanami Desert
Barkly

Minor flood warnings are current for the Katherine and Daly Rivers. A moderate flood warning is current for the Waterhouse River.

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