02 Mar 2023 | 02:25 PM UTC
Australia: Adverse weather forecast across parts of central and eastern Northern Territory and far northwestern Queensland through at least March 3 /update 2
Adverse weather forecast across parts of Northern Territory and Queensland, Australia through March 3. Possible flooding and disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across parts of central and eastern Northern Territory and far northwestern Queensland through at least March 3. A deep tropical low over the Barkly region in Northern Territory late March 2 is forecast to move slowly eastward across eastern Northern Territory and into far northwestern Queensland overnight through March 2-3. As of late March 2, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued severe weather warnings for heavy rainfall for parts of Carpentaria and Barkly forecast districts in Northern Territory and Gulf Country and North West forecast districts in Queensland. Locations that may be affected include Alpurrurulam, Mallapunyah, Avon Downs, Brunette Downs, Cresswell Downs, Barkly District east of Tennant Creek, Doomadgee, Camooweal, Riversleigh Station, Gregory Downs Station, Lawn Hill, and Barkly. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 9-14 cm (3.5-5.5 inches) are possible within the warning area. Isolated higher downpours are possible and could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flooding.
Officials have issued a flood watch for river catchments in parts of the Top End, Central Inland, and Carpentaria Coastal areas in Northern Territories and an initial flood watch for Gulf Country and far west inland river catchments in Queensland. Moderate flood warnings are also in effect for the Daly and Victoria rivers in Northern Territory. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Authorities have evacuated around 700 people from the communities of Daguragu, Kalkarindji, Pigeon Hole, Palumpa, and Yarralin in the Victoria Daly Region due to the risk of flooding. The communities have been largely cut off due to rising river levels and residents will be airlifted to Katherine before being transported to Darwin.
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.
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.
