Australia: Severe weather forecast to continue over northern and central parts of Northern Territory through at least Jan. 18 /update 2

Severe weather is forecast to continue across northern and central parts of the Northern Territory through at least Jan. 18. The monsoon trough has been bringing heavy rainfall across the region in recent days and an associated tropical low will bring further downpours across parts of the affected area over the coming hours, as well as strong winds over far northern coastal areas. As of late Jan. 17, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy and locally intense rainfall and damaging winds across much of Gregory and Tiwi and parts of Arnhem. Barkly, Carpentaria, Daly, and Tanami forecast districts. Locations that may be affected include Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy, Maningrida, Wurrumiyanga, Elliott, and Kalkarindji.

Six-hourly rainfall totals of 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) are forecast over north-central areas south of Pine Creek and north of Tennant Creek, with localized heavier downpours of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) and accompanying thunderstorms are possible along the southern and western flanks of the tropical low. Severe downpours could trigger life-threatening flash flooding in affected areas. Winds gusting up to around 90 kph (56 mph) are possible across parts of the affected area. A flood watch has been issued across northwestern and parts of central Northern Territory and flood warnings have been issued for the Daly and Victoria rivers. Strong wind warnings have also been issued for northern coastal areas Jan. 17-18. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

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.