Ex-tropical cyclone Lincoln risk recedes for NT as system continues march west

The risk to the Northern Territory by ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln continues to recede as the system moves out into the Indian Ocean – although it has the potential to reform and cross into WA.

The risk to the Northern Territory by ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln continues to recede as the system moves out into the Indian Ocean – although it has the potential to reform and cross back into northern Western Australia.

On Wednesday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a final flood watch for parts of the central inland rivers, Bonaparte coastal rivers and the Barkly.

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln is expected to move further away from the Northern Territory on Wednesday,” the bureau said in a statement.

“Showers and thunderstorms are expected in the flood watch area in the next few days.

“River levels are easing slowly in the flood watch area.

“Many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways may remain affected.”

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Lincoln on the morning of Wednesday, February 21. Picture: BOM

A minor flood warning remains current for the lower Daly River, with rainfall totals of up to 24mm recorded across the catchment in the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday.

The river was expected to peak at 13m at the Daly River Police Station on Wednesday afternoon, with minor flooding expected until at least Thursday.

“Showers and storms are forecast for the next few days, which may cause some isolated renewed river level rises,” the bureau said.

Bureau senior meteorologist Angus Hines said ex-TC Lincoln was likely to move southwest off the WA coast from Thursday.

However, there was a “high chance” it would redevelop back into a category one tropical cyclone during the middle of the day on Friday and it could possibly develop into a category two in the evening.

During the day on Saturday, it had the potential of crossing back into WA, where it’s anticipated it would weaken as it moves inland in a south-easterly direction, Mr Hines said.

Ex-tropical cyclone Lincoln is dumping rain on the Territory as it heads to WA

February 19, 6pm: More than a third of the Northern Territory is on flood watch as remote and central communities deal with the aftermath of ex-tropical Cyclone Lincoln.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of a heightened risk of flooding as the system tracks west through Western Australia in coming days.

The floodwatch still extends into parts of northern Queensland, with a warning high water flows from previous rainfall events could still flood parts of the state.

And the Bureau has warned Lincoln could reintensify to tropical cyclone strength later this week, potentially along the WA coast between Port Hedland and Exmouth.

Flood watches in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Lincoln.

A Bureau spokeswoman said ex-tropical cyclone Lincoln is currently located close to the Western Australian, Territory border, and the system is “dragging in moisture” from the tropics generating cloud, rain and thunderstorms.

The Bureau said rainfall exceeding 100mm had fallen in the Territory in the 24-hours to 11.30am Central Standard Time on Monday, and more rainfall was expected in the days ahead.

“A severe weather warning is centred around ex-tropical cyclone Lincoln and covers Lajamannu and extends west to Halls Creek,” the spokeswoman said.

“In the warning area we could see heavy rainfall and flash flooding with six-hour rainfall totals in excess of 100mm which can cause property damage and make roads muddy and impassable.”

She said while strong winds were forecast, the risk of damaging gusts had eased.

Territory rainfall is expected to ease as the system tracks across Western Australia and there is a risk it could re-intensify as it moves over coastal waters.

“It could increase in energy and power and there is actually a high chance it may strengthen back to tropical cyclone intensity late in the week meaning even heavier rainfalls and stronger winds that may impact parts of the WA coast,” she said.

The Bureau issued a strong wind warning at 4pm Monday for the Beagle Bonaparte Coast as well as a minor flood warning for the Daly River and a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the Barkly district.

There was also a severe weather warning for parts of the Gregory and Tanami districts.