27 Feb 2023 | 01:28 PM UTC
Australia: Adverse weather forecast across parts of northwestern Northern Territory and far northeastern Western Australia through at least Feb. 28
Adverse weather forecast across parts of northern Australia through at least Feb. 28. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across parts of far northwestern Northern Territory and far northeastern Western Australia through at least Feb. 28. A deepening tropical low off the north Kimberly coast is forecast to move southeastward over southern parts of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and into Gregory District late Feb. 27-28. As of late Feb. 27, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe weather warnings for damaging winds and heavy rainfall for much of Daly and Gregory and parts of Barkly, Carpentarria, and Tiwi districts in Northern Territory, as well as parts of northern Kimberley District in Western Australia. Locations in the warning area include Darwin, Wadeye, Timber Creek, Peppimenarti, Palumpa, Wurrumiyanga, Nauiyu, Lajamanu, Kalkarindji, Adelaide River, Milikapiti, Pirlangimpi, Wyndham, Kalumburu, Mitchell Plateau, and Troughton Island. A flood watch has been issued for river catchments in parts of the Top End and Central Inland areas of Northern Territory and a moderate flood warning is in place for the Daly River. Gale warnings have been issued for the northern Kimberly and Beagle Bonaparte coasts Feb. 27-28, as well as strong wind warnings for the North Tiwi coast Feb. 27-28 and Van Diemen Gulf Feb. 28. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) and six-hourly rainfall totals of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) are possible across parts of the affected area. Heavy downpours may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds and large waves trigger hazardous sea conditions.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
