Media release

Significant rainfall for remote areas - Southern region

Emergency Service

Northern Territory Emergency Service are encouraging remote residents in the Southern and Barkly region are prepared for a possible severe weather event this weekend.

Significant rainfall is expected for the Lasseter and Tanami areas as Ex-Tropical Tiffany moves south late on Sunday and early into next week.

Northern Territory Emergency Service Acting Deputy Director, Ian Carlton said “The Bureau of Meteorology have issued an Initial Flood Watch for the South West Northern Territory”.

“Rainfall is expected to start from Saturday in the Tanami Desert, extending into the Simpson Desert during Sunday into Monday. Three day rainfall totals for these areas are expected to be between 70 to 120 mm for the areas around Yuendumu, Kintore, Yulara and Docker River” said A/DD Carlton.

“If this is the case, and following the severe heat wave the area has just had, we can expect potential flooding in localised areas. We urge residents in affected communities to ensure they have adequate provisions which would last a few days, rather than risk driving on flooded roads or impassable.”

Residents in these areas should ensure they have food and water provisions which can sustain you and each family member for up to 72 hours, yards are tidy of loose objects and they restrict all unnecessary travel in the event of flooding in the area.

“While Alice Springs and Tennant Creek will be lucky if they see any significant rain, at least this weather event will cool the area down significantly,” said A/DD Carlton