PHOTOS, VIDEO: Shipping container swept away, downpours cause chaos
UPDATE: HEAVY rains have continued to drench parts of the Top End with major flooding near Beswick and reports of more than 100mm falling in Palmerston within an hour. SEE THE PHOTOS and VIDEO here
Northern Territory
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- ‘In the event an evacuation is required, residents will be bussed into Darwin’: Authorities brace for possible moderate flooding at Daly River
- Warnings issued as moderate flooding expected in the Top End, Daly River residents asked to prepare
UPDATE: HEAVY rains have continued to drench parts of the Top End with major flooding near Beswick and reports of more than 100mm falling in Palmerston within an hour.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How said storms dumped 50-100mm across the Darwin area on Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile residents in Palmerston reported an hour-long 110mm deluge, leading to flash flooding across suburban streets in Durack, Woodroffe, Moulden and Bellamack.
BOM also recorded major flood levels at the Waterhouse River at the Beswick Bridge, peaking just below 9m on Wednesday.
Moderate flood levels at Daly River were expected to hit 13.1m on Thursday evening, the highest levels in seven years.
Storms over the Top End are forecast to ease over the coming days.
EARLIER: WILD weather has continued across the Top End with floodwaters sweeping away a shipping container and several vehicles becoming stranded in the downpour.
Northern Watch Commander Siiri-Kai Tennosaar said at around 3.15pm yesterday police responded to multiple reports of localised flooding on roads in Palmerston following heavy rain.
“Reports were received of up to 40cm of water on Erlrundie Ave in Moulden and a similar amount on Forrest Parade in Bellamack, where a storm water drain cover also dislodged resulting in water gushing onto the road way,” she said.
“Woodroffe Ave in Woodroffe was also reported to have a significant amount of water over the road. Several vehicles became stranded.
“Motorists are urged to take extra care when roadways are impacted by these types of weather events and to avoid driving through water when the depth cannot be determined.”
Palmerston resident Bradley Brown said he was shocked to see a large shipping container being swept away by floodwaters along Elrundie Ave in Durack yesterday afternoon.
“It was carried away by the floodwaters from the school down into the bridge,” he said.
Northern Watch Commander Siiri-Kai Tennosaar also encouraged those caring for children to warn them of the dangers of playing in flooded pipes and drains after police received several reports of children playing in or near flooded drains in the Palmerston area.
Weather Warnings
Meanwhile authorities bracing for a possible flood event at Daly River with waters expected to reach moderate flood levels on Thursday night.
Current forecasting indicates the river could reach a peak of between 13.6m and 13.8m, short of the “major” flood level category, before levelling out on Friday and over the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warns said River levels at Daly River Police Station are expected to be around 2014 February level.
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Incident controller Janelle Tonkin said there was no request or requirement from officials for residents to leave the community.
According to BOM, widespread rainfall totals of 150 – 300mm have been recorded in the Daly River catchment in the past week.
A Minor Flood Warning for the Katherine River, Major Flood Warning for the Waterhouse River, and a Flood Watch for North West, Carpentaria and Bonaparte Coastal Rivers are still in place.
BOM forecaster Billy Lynch said rainfall will ease off today as drier air moves in, which will isolate the storms and reduce heavy falls.
Flood Safety Advice
The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Prepare for flooding and move away while safe to do so.
Don’t drive into floodwaters.
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For emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones call 132 500.
Emergency information is available at www.securent.nt.gov.au.
The latest road conditions are available at www.roadreport.nt.gov.au.
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