Tropical Cyclone Lam has moved inland and has been downgraded to a category 1 system.
It is currently affecting the central Arnhem community of Bulman, which is experiencing gale force winds and heavy rainfall.
Residents of Bulman have been advised by the local incident controller to take shelter in their homes.
Residents across the region should remain in shelter until advised that it is safe to leave.
While the threat of the cyclone has passed, conditions remain dangerous. There is localised flooding, power lines down and there is widespread debris.
There have been no reports received of major injuries or fatalities.
“We do however, have widespread and significant damage in these communities, including the loss of houses, services and infrastructure,” Regional Controller Commander Bruce Porter said.
“As we move into recovery mode with the northern Arnhem communities, I do remind people that there is still a significant risk of flooding across the region.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Watch for Arnhem, western Carpentaria Arnhem, western Carpentaria and eastern Daly District, extending southwest into the remainder of the Daly and Gregory Districts during Friday and Saturday. Areas of very heavy rainfall between 200 and 350 mm are possible during Friday and Saturday, easing to 100 to 150 mm on Sunday. These falls are expected to lead to strong stream rises which may affect road access at times. Some communities may become isolated.
Catchments likely to be affected include the Waterhouse and tributaries of the Daly, including the Katherine River.
Cyclone warnings remain in place central Arnhem District within 100km of Bulman. All other warning zones have been cancelled by the bureau of meteorology.
At 1.30pm the cyclone was 15 kilometres west northwest of Milingimbi and 160 kilometres northeast of Beswick, travelling south southwest at 19 kilometres per hour.
“Tune in to your local radio and/or television stations for further information and warnings,” Commander Porter said.
Further information about how to prepare can be found at www.secureNT.nt.gov.au
For the latest Bureau of Meteorology Advice go to www.bom.gov.au
