Ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln still poses danger as it moves further inland

A stretch of the Stuart Highway is closed to small cars as ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln continues to head further inland, bringing strong winds and intense rainfall with it.

Satellite image of ex-cyclone Lincoln. Picture: Weatherzone

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a watch and act for parts of the Gregory, Barkly, Tanami and Simpson Districts as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln continues to move south west from its current location 200km north west of Tennant Creek.

The Stuart Highway was impassable about 45km south of Tennant Creek and motorists were being informed to avoid the area.

There was also water across the highway 5km south of Threeways roadhouse.

Both sections have now reopened to 4WD and high clearance vehicles, however as the storm continues to move west, smaller cars are still advised to avoid the area.

The BoM said the storm front could bring “locally intense rainfall” and “dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding” to the western part of the Barkly region, with six-hour rainfall totals expected to exceed 140mm.

McArthur River Crossing 4pm Friday. Picture: Instagram (hucksy_93)

Borroloola near Battern Creek following the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln. Picture: Instagram (hucksy_93)

Heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding is also forecast for the northern Tanami and south east Gregory Districts with six hour rain totals 50 to 90mm.

The BoM is warning people in the areas that they could also face damaging wind gusts and possible disruption to essential supplies including electricity, water and gas.

A car takes on floodwater across the Stuart Highway near Tennant Creek. Picture: Facebook (Paul Whitmore)

Residents in the areas are being urged to enact household emergency measures, secure loose backyard items and to stay informed.

Ex-Cyclone Lincoln is expected to move across the border and enter Western Australia late Monday.

The ex-Cyclone crossed onto land near Borroloola bringing heavy rain and flooding with it and has produced strong winds and heavy rainfall as it moved across the Territory.

For the latest cyclone information go to the: SecureNT website, Bureau of Meteorology site and the Northern Territory Road Report app.