Locals in Australia’s north bracing after ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln crosses the coast

The third cyclone of the summer has crossed the coast in northern Australia, prompting warnings for gale force winds and heavy rainfall.

Northern Australia is bracing for strong winds and heavy rain after the third cyclone of the summer crossed the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln crossed the coast as a category one system on Friday afternoon between the Northern Territory-Queensland border and Port McArthur in the territory.

However the cyclone was short-lived and it was downgraded after it crossed the coast.

The system is expected to move west across the Northern Territory over the weekend, bringing with it heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.

It is expected to move in a westerly direction through the Northern Territory and towards the Kimberley region of Western Australia in the coming days.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln crossed the northern Australian coast on Friday evening. Picture: BOM

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln is the third storm to hit the north this summer. Picture: Weatherzone

Strong winds between 50km/h to 100km/h are expected.

Heavy rainfall has been forecast for the eastern Carpentaria and northeast Barkly regions with the possibility of flash flooding.

“Locations which may be affected include Tennant Creek, Elliott, Borroloola, McArthur River, Wollogorang and Renner Springs,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.

In a severe weather warning issued on Saturday, the bureau said that daily rainfall totals of up to 250mm were possible.

The national weather agency has also issued warnings for possible heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the Queensland Gulf Country.

The warnings come after Tropical Cyclone Jasper brought record-breaking rain and heavy flooding to Far North Queensland around Christmas.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily drenched the same areas when hit the coast as a category 3 storm late last month.