Residents downstream from Darwin River Dam warned of flooding as dam overflows

UPDATE: NT emergency services and Power Water Corp are warning residents downstream from the Darwin River Dam to prepare for flooding with the dam now overflowing

NT emergency services and Power Water Corp are warning residents downstream from the Darwin River Dam to prepare for flooding with the dam now overflowing.

Darwin River Dam is now overflowing and residents downstream from the dam are being warned to prepare for flooding. Picture: Power and Water/Facebook

In a Facebook post on Monday night Power and Water advised: “Darwin River Dam is now overflowing

“ ... the Darwin River Dam reached capacity (on Monday night) and has started to spill. “Spilling from the dam has frequently occurred during previous wet seasons and is normal.

“The dam is designed to overflow when it reaches capacity, to reduce pressure on its wall.”

EARLIER: Power Water Corp is warning residents downstream from the Darwin River Dam to prepare for flooding in the next few hours, NT Police have advised.

In a Facebook post this afternoon Power and Water advised: “Darwin River Dam is near capacity.

“With current and expected rainfall, it’s likely that the dam may spill in the next 24 hours. “Spilling from the dam has frequently occurred during previous wet seasons and is normal, but it can cause sudden changes in water levels at road crossings downstream, so access to the dam has now been restricted.

“Power and Water Corporation advises that for your own safety, stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.

“Prepare for flooding and move away while it is safe to do so.

Darwin River Dam pictured when near capacity earlier Monday. Picture: Power and Water/Facebook

“Don’t drive into floodwaters.

“If you need emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones call NT Emergency Services on 132 500.

“If your life is in danger, call 000.”