The monsoon over the Top End will weaken over the weekend as the monsoon trough shifts east into Queensland.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds for people in parts of Lasseter and Tanami districts.
There is a slight to medium chance of showers and thunderstorms, increasing to a medium to high chance in the Lasseter, Tanami and Barkly Districts, and along the north coast of the Top End.
In order to be able to respond to the severe weather event across the southern region of the Northern Territory an emergency operations centre has been established in Alice Springs.
A Flood Watch is in effect for Central and Western Inland Northern Territory. For details, please see [https://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings/]
Rainfall may cause significant water level rises in rivers and creeks and prolonged overland flooding and ponding and roads may become impassable. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated.
Locations which may be affected include Yuendumu, Walungurru, Papunya, Watarrka, Nyirripi and south west Tanami District near WA border.
People are urged not to travel on roads that are closed and reconsider whether they need to use roads which have restrictions attached. To find out which roads are closed or those with restrictions go to the [https://www.roadreport.nt.gov.au]
Incident Controller Peter Dash said, “We are urging motorists to avoid using roads with restrictions placed upon them, and to reconsider travel due to heavy rain and rising waters. It is highly dangerous for vehicles to attempt to cross flooded roads and causeways.
“Remember; if it’s Flooded Forget It. Diverting resources to assist stranded motorists who shouldn’t have used these roads restricts Emergency Services’ capacity to respond to other urgent requests for assistance.”
To help the NT Emergency Service keep Territorians safe, people are advised to:
• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, stay at home if you can.
• If travel is urgent advise someone of your plans.
• Avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
• Pull over if it is raining heavily and you cannot see, park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter when conditions deteriorate.
• Ensure pets and animals are safe.
• Be prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.
• Treat all floodwater as potentially contaminated with sewage.
• Flooding may increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases so cover up with long, loose-fitting clothing and use mosquito repellents.
• Stagnant water around homes and gardens should also be removed.
