06 Mar 2023 | 05:27 AM UTC
Australia: Adverse weather forecast across parts of northern Northern Territory and far northern Queensland through at least March 9
Adverse weather forecast across parts of Northern Territory and Queensland, Australia through March 9. Flooding and disruptions ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across parts of northern Northern Territory and far northern Queensland through at least March 9. As of March 6, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds for parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands Forecast District in the Northern Territory.
Officials have issued a flood watch for river catchments in parts of the Top End, Eastern Inland, and Carpentaria Coastal areas in Northern Territory as well as for Gulf Country, Lake Eyre Basin, and from Cooktown to Cardwell in Queensland. A major flood warning is in place for the lower Flinders River in Queensland; major flooding is ongoing at Walker Bend. Further river rises are possible. Moderate flood warnings are also in effect for the lower Daly River in Northern Territory as well as Eyre Creek in Queensland. Flood warnings are in place for the Victoria River in Northern Territory as well as Diamantina River in Queensland. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Authorities 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. Communities in the Victoria Daly Region and far northwestern Queensland have been cut off due to rising river levels. Heavy rainfall over the recent weeks has resulted in downed phone lines; the lack of access has delayed repairs.
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.
