Tropical Cyclone to form off coast of NT with destructive wind gusts forecast

Powerful wind gusts of up to 185km/h could blast one state as a cyclone forms off the coast.

Cyclone warning at NT. Picture WeatherZone.JPG

A tropical cyclone will likely form off the coast of the Northern Territory in the coming days, with destructive 110km/h winds forecast to hit towns.

A severe weather warning and a flood watch are also current on Saturday as residents prepare for the weather system to make landfall likely on Monday.

There is a high chance of Tropical Low 09U developing into a cyclone with gale force winds on the northern side of the Groote Eylandt.

A cyclone warning is in place for the Northern Territory. Picture: WeatherZone

It comes as intense heat grips parts of WA, NT, SA and Queensland. Picture: WeatherZone

It is forecast to reach category 3 intensity before crossing the southwest coast of The Gulf of Carpentaria, most likely during Monday.

Once over land, it will likely weaken quickly and move west across the Northern Territory as a tropical low.

Destructive winds of about 125 km/h are possible about the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria coast, near the systems centre from Sunday. They could intensify to “very destructive” winds in excess of 185 km/h from early Monday.

Cyclone watch for residents in the NT. Picture: BoM

While gusts of 110 km/h are occurring over Groote Eylandt and could continue into Sunday.

They may extend into the Robinson River on Sunday if the system moves more quickly to the south.

Intense rainfall is possible, especially about coastal parts of the Carpentaria districts, with a minor flood warning in place on the foreshore due to abnormally high tides.

For residents in the area of the Cyclone Watch, authorities are urging them to prepare now and monitor conditions.

While those in the warning zone are being told to enact their household plan and prepare their property.