Territorians are urged to stay off the roads and out of flooded causeways as wide spread and heavy rainfalls are expected to cause localised flooding in areas across the Barkly and Central regions this weekend.
A weekend of heavy rainfall of 50 to 100mm of rains is predicted to fall across the Barkly region, through to the northern Tanami and southern Gregory districts.
Acting Deputy Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service, Ian Carlton said the additional rainfall had the potential to see localised flooding in areas which had seen rainfall earlier in the week.
“The Barkly and Central Australia has certainly felt the humidity this week, so rainfall across the area is a welcomed relief,” said A/DD Carlton
“However, as we’ve seen recently, rainfall across rural and remote areas does pose a risk to all motorists and so we urge everyone to delay all non-essential travel and please stay out of flooded causeways. Remember – if it’s flooded, forget it.”
January’s rain event saw police and emergency services respond to multiple reports of missing people, bogged motorists and near drownings.
“It’s an easy mistake to make to think that you can make it across a flooded causeway, you’re a strong swimmer etc, but it could be the last mistake you make and it poses a risk to those who go to rescue you.”
Enjoy the wet weather Central Australia, as the following week will see temperatures climb back up to the high 30s.
“Heading into February we’ll see the blue skies return, along with the hotter weather with heatwaves predicted across the Southern/Central Australia inland area,” said A/DD Carlton.
