Residents are reminded to be crocwise following a sighting in flooded waterways.
“A saltwater crocodile was sighted in the billabong at Beswick. Residents and visitors are reminded to be crocwise. Do not enter flooded waterways,” said A/Assistant Commissioner Michael Murphy.
“Saltwater crocodiles do use wet season flooding to move into new areas. Please be aware and do not put your life at risk.”
Katherine River - Gorge Road - Minor Flood Warning
Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre is currently above the three-metre minor flood level for Gorge Road and levelling off below four metres.
The river is expected to remain steady into this evening before receding.
“Based on the advice received from the Bureau of Meteorology, Police anticipate that at this stage there may be minor flooding along Gorge Road only,” said A/Assistant Commissioner Michael Murphy.
“Gorge Road is closed, with 600mm of water across the road at Maud Creek.
“At the Katherine Bridge, the level is 9.7 metres and rising, still well within the riverbanks.
“I can reassure the community that flooding will not occur in the Katherine Township at this time, however Katherine Town Council have closed all low access points to the river, including the low level crossing.”
Waterhouse River - Major Flood Warning
The Wugularr (Beswick) community bottom camp is now being affected by floodwaters.
Additional police and NTES personnel have been deployed to the community from Katherine by helicopter to assist in managing the relocation of affected people and services.
“The Wugularr School has been closed by the Education Department, to be used as the Evacuation Centre,” said A/Assistant Commissioner Murphy. “The school will remain closed tomorrow.
“Six houses in the bottom camp have been affected by water; it is believed the water inside the homes is only shallow. The community’s service centres, including the clinic, aged care facility and council building, remain clear of water.”
A Major Flood Warning has been advised for the Waterhouse River. At Beswick Bridge the river level at 3.40pm was above the major flood level at 8.62 metres and appears to be levelling.
“The river level is expected to remain steady into this evening before receding overnight.
“The Central Arnhem Highway remains closed at Beswick as there is water across the road and Police will continue to monitor the situation during the day and keep the community informed.”
“It is expected that Jilkminggan Community will experience some nearby localised flooding as a result of the Waterhouse River system. Police have been in liaison with the community and established that there are no vulnerable people within Jilkminggan. The store has supplies to last two weeks. When the water reaches the location in the next day or so, the access road into the community will be impassable until it recedes,” said A/Assistant Commissioner Murphy.
General advice
“Residents in areas where roads likely to be affected by flooding are advised to exercise caution if driving and to drive to the conditions,” said A/Assistant Commissioner Murphy.
“Do not attempt to cross flooded waterways unless you are sure of the depth and speed of the water.
“Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways and stop children playing in or near floodwaters.
“Stay away from fallen power lines, they are dangerous and should always be treated as live.”
For most recent updates on NT road conditions visit: www.roadreport.nt.gov.au
For more information call 1800 500 070 or go to the Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings
For information on preparing for floods, go to www.secureNT.nt.gov.au
