NT weather: Ex-cyclone Ellie weakens, flood watch in Central Australia

Ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie is at last showing signs of waning but a flood watch has been issued for a large part of Central Australia. Here’s the latest weather forecast.

Ex-tropical cyclone Ellie is finally fizzling after more than two weeks of destruction and deluge across northern Australia.

The Bureau of Meteorology cancelled a severe weather warning in Central Australia on Sunday morning, reporting the system had “finally weakened” over southwestern parts of the NT.

“Severe weather is no longer occurring in Northern Territory,” the update said.

“Ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie, located over the southern Tanami District, will become slow-moving, bringing heavy rainfall, before weakening (further) early this week.

Roads in several parts of Central Australia are at risk of becoming impassable due to heavy showers forecast through Sunday and Monday. Picture: Supplied

“Thunderstorm activity in the Simpson district later today may bring isolated heavy rainfall, and a severe thunderstorm warning will be issued if this occurs.

“The immediate threat of severe weather has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.”

The easing weather comes as Walungurru (Kintore) Airport recorded 61mm of rainfall in the 24-hours to midnight Saturday.

A flooding risk remains for areas ex-cyclone Ellie crossed into north of Lasseter district and south of the Tanami district.

Great Northern Highway and the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge in WA have been badly damaged as a result of floodwaters associated with ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie. Picture: January 7 2023, Main Roads WA

Flood watch warnings have also been issued for Barkly, Central Desert, Western Desert, MacDonnell Ranges, Finke River and Stephenson Creek, and Simpson Desert districts.

Rainfall of 30mm to 70mm with isolated totals exceeding 100mm are expected throughout Sunday.

Further totals of 20m to 40mm with isolated falls of 100mm are possible over the flood watch area on Monday.

“It’s a weaker system now and it’s not going to have the same intensity as it did through Timber Creek, nor will it have the same intensity when it was over the Kimberley,” BOM senior forecaster Billy Lynch said.

Roads around Timber Creek have suffered "significant damage" after flooding hit the remote community in late December. Picture: Supplied

“It is lots of rain for Central Australia, especially as it can be quite a dry part of the country.

“The ground is already pretty wet and so it’s likely to have an impact on roads.”

Tilmouth Well Roadhouse along the Tanami Rd could only be accessed by 4WDs and larger cars “at their own risk” on Sunday due to Napperby Creek overflowing onto the road.

“We had a lot of heavy rain (Saturday), it’s just been constant,” Taylor Kyle, who works at the roadhouse, said.

“We have creeks all around us so we just have to wait it out.

“Some communities can’t get to us.

“It’s good for the land though - it’s very green.”

The highest 24-hour rainfall totals to 9am Sunday included 54mm at Pine Hill and 54mm at Territory Grape.

Motorists are urged to check road conditions before travelling through Central Australia, with the Bureau warning some roads may become impassable.

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Originally published as NT weather: Ex-cyclone Ellie weakens, flood watch in Central Australia