The outer edges of Tropical Cyclone Blanche continue to affect the Greater Darwin region as the system moves south west.
Cyclone Warnings are in place from Cape Hotham to Mitchell Plateau, including Darwin and Wadeye.
The Cyclone Watch zone extends further west on the Kimberley coast to Cockatoo Island.
Watches and warnings are cancelled for Cape Don to Cape Fourcroy and Point Stuart to Cape Hotham, including the Tiwi Islands.
Regional Controller, Commander Brent Warren, said priority shelters remain open for vulnerable members of the Darwin community only who may be homeless, itinerant or otherwise at risk from the weather conditions. The shelters are located at the Darwin Supreme Court and Palmerston Senior College.
“Darwin River Dam is topping the spillway and local residents need to be aware of rises in local water levels, and take extra precautions when travelling in the area.
“We continue to encourage motorists to reconsider their need to travel, avoid driving into any flooded roads and for boaters to stay out of the water today,” Commander Warren said.
“Palmerston Superclinic advises that they have allocated additional staff for Palmerston residents who might need medical attention. This will assist with non-essential travel to Royal Darwin Hospital.
“In an emergency situation please phone 000.”
Commander Warren said the threat of the cyclone affecting NT communities is diminishing as the system tracks away but the western top end was still experiencing heavy rainfall and gusty storms.
“Areas south of Dundee along the coast are still at risk of gale force winds and residents should take shelter and restrict travel.
“Travellers in the Daly Region are urged to check road conditions prior to attempting any journey. The Peppimenarti to Daly River road is impassable and many others are 4wd only.
“If roads are flooded do not attempt a crossing.”
Commander Warren said the improving conditions in Darwin will see all government services resume and all schools will be open tomorrow.
“At this stage, it is ‘business as usual’ tomorrow.
For more information on the tropical low and weather warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings
Cyclone preparedness information is available at SecureNT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/cyclones
