Todd River swells as Central Australia lashed with more than 90mm of rainfall in 24 hours

Roads remain closed and more than a dozen call-outs for emergency assistance have been made in the aftermath of Alice Springs’ wettest day in 20 years.

ROADS remain closed and more than a dozen call-outs for emergency assistance have been made in the aftermath of Alice Springs’ wettest day in 20 years.

More than 90mm of rain fell in the Todd River’s catchment area, which transformed from a dry bed to a rapidly flowing stream in the space of a few hours.

The Stuart Highway north of Alice Springs near 16 Mile Creek. Picture: Steve Edgington

Several Central Australian roads remained closed on Thursday due to flooding, including the Stuart Hwy near the Plenty Hwy intersection, about 250km north of Alice Springs.

The road will remain shut at least until Friday morning, according to a Facebook post by NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services.

“Due to recent flooding across this area, some sections of the road are damaged, or are yet to be assessed by Department of Infrastructure, Lands and Planning,” the post said.

“The road will be reassessed (Friday) morning.”

The Stuart Highway was closed in both directions at 16 Mile Creek due to flood waters. Picture: Road Report NT

Meanwhile, Maryvale Rd in Connellan was closed and several causeways and roads in town impassable or hazardous, with traffic being diverted in some instances.

A remarkable six-and-a-half hour rescue operation of a man who drove his vehicle into flooded waters was not enough to deter other motorists, with another man taken to hospital after extricating himself from his bogged vehicle.

In a separate incident, a driver collided with a road closure sign at the northern end of the Schwartz Cres causeway, which remained closed on Thursday afternoon due to flooding. The driver was not injured.

Property damage from the heavy rain has been minimal across town, however some houses have been affected.

Insurers TIO have received 10 domestic property claims since Sunday, mostly attributed to water leaks as a result of the stormy conditions.

Alice Springs Town Council advised all facilities had reopened following a near complete shutdown on Wednesday and most parks have been given the green light for residents to return.

However, Traeger Oval, Albrecht Oval, Jim McConville Oval, Anzac Oval and Ross Park will remain shut for sport and training at least until the weekend.