Australia: Severe weather forecast to continue over central parts of Northern Territory through at least Jan. 19 /update 3

Severe weather is forecast to continue across central parts of the Northern Territory through at least Jan. 19. The monsoon trough has been bringing heavy rainfall across the region in recent days and an embedded tropical low is moving slowly across the affected area and will bring further downpours over the coming hours. As of late Jan. 18, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy and locally intense rainfall across parts of Barkly, Carpentaria, Gregory, and Tanami forecast districts. Locations that may be affected include Tennant Creek, Elliott, Kalkarindji, Daly Waters, and Top Springs.

Six-hourly rainfall totals of 8-12 cm (3-5 inches) are forecast over areas around and south of Daly Waters into the central interior of Northern Territory, with localized heavier downpours of 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) and accompanying thunderstorms possible in Barkly District north of Tennant Creek. Severe downpours could trigger life-threatening flash flooding in affected areas. A flood watch has been issued across northwestern and parts of central Northern Territory and flood warnings have been issued for the Daly, Katherine, and Victoria rivers. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

Authorities have evacuated around 100 people from the communities of Pigeon Hole and Daguragu Jan. 18 due to flooding in the Victoria River and its tributaries. Further evacuations are possible in affected areas over the coming days if river levels continue to rise.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further 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 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 heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render further bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways.

Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger further flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

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. Further electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.