Heavy rain, associated risks expected across much of the NT from Friday

TOP End residents are being warned to prepare for possible flash flooding events and damaging wind gusts over the weekend with a severe weather warning in place for large areas

TOP End residents are being warned to prepare for possible flash flooding events and damaging wind gusts over the weekend with a severe weather warning in place for large area as a monsoon looks likely to bring up to 200mm of rain in parts over coming days.

Heavy rain and associated risks are expected across much of the NT from Friday and over the next week.

The Bureau of Meteorology said as the monsoon trough becomes active, heavy rain is expected across the Top End over the weekend, which may lead to flash flooding in the eastern Carpentaria and eastern Arnhem districts.

Damaging wind gusts are forecast in the eastern Carpentaria and eastern Arnhem Districts Friday, moving into the northern and western Daly district (including Darwin) overnight Saturday.

A tropical low, called 03U*, has formed over the Top End near the Tiwi Islands, which is expected to move south west towards the Kimberley.

The #monsoon trough has become active across tropical north Australia bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms from the #Kimberley to the #GulfofCarpentaria. Rainfall totals of 100-200mm are likely over the coming days.

Latest forecasts & warnings: https://t.co/omd8Ar07ud pic.twitter.com/qQdkH7xQ4z

— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) December 18, 2020

The NT will still feel the impacts as it creates a cloud band extending across the south of the Territory, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to central and southern regions from Monday.

From early next week widespread flooding is possible for many parts of western inland NT. The heaviest falls are expected in the Tanami and Lasseter districts this weekend, extending into the far western Simpson on Monday.

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The Top End hasn’t experienced vigorous monsoonal weather like what’s expected for a couple of years and heavy rain in desert and other drier areas of southern NT doesn’t happen frequently.

Heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding which will mean hazardous driving conditions, and in the south, there’s a chance that roads may become impassable and communities cut off.

Forecast temperatures this year are on par with Christmas averages for Darwin and Katherine and a few degrees below average for Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

Darwin: Min 25°C, Max 32°C. Shower or two 3-10mm, possible storm

Katherine: Min 25°C, Max 33°C. Shower or two 1-8mm, possible storm

Tennant Creek Min 23°C, Max 33°C. 0mm Partly cloudy

Alice Springs Min 21°C, Max 32°C. 0mm Partly cloudy