Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gulf Country, North West and Channel Country Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:59 am Saturday, 3 February 2024.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS TO EXTEND SOUTH THIS WEEKEND.

Weather situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently located near Camooweal, and is slowly moving to the south-southwest. The system will continue to track to the south close to the Queensland and Northern Territory border during the weekend. At this stage the system and its associated severe weather are expected to move through the North West district during today and into the Channel Country later tonight, although some uncertainty remains with its exact track in the longer term.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected in southwestern parts of the Gulf Country, and western parts of the North West and Channel Country districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, more likely near the Queensland and Northern Territory border. 24-hourly totals between 80 and 150 mm are possible.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible close to the low, particularly on the southern and western sides of the system. Isolated six-hourly totals between 80 and 120 mm are possible with 24-hourly totals exceeding 200 mm. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS in excess of 90 km/h are also possible across the warning area, particularly associated with thunderstorms and heavy showers.

A Flood Watch and several Flood Warnings are also current for the North West, Central West, Channel Country and Gulf of Carpentaria catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Camooweal, Urandangi, Glenormiston, Riversleigh Station and Lawn Hill.

Latest significant observations:
155 mm was observed at Herbert Vale in 24 hours to 9 am Saturday.
142 mm was observed at Norfolk Station in 24 hours to 9 am Saturday.
Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.