Alice Springs residents are reminded to secure any loose items around their homes before going away on holidays.

The reminder comes as the Bureau of Meteorology issues warnings of expected gale force winds and rain in Central Australia later this week.

Rob Romaldi of the Northern Territory Emergency Service for theSouthern Region said with expected winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour and possible heavy rainfall within the next 36 to 72 hours, residents are urged to secure all loose objects and ensure gutters are clean.

" We believe most of the more severe weather conditions are expected in the south-west, however Alice Springs could see fairly heavy rainfall in the ensuing period. The Bureau has predicted possible rainfall of up to 100mm for the Alice Springs District with the heaviest falls expected at Yulara and Kings Canyon.

"It's important that residents don't become complacent, simply because we haven't experienced a flow of the Todd River since December 29, 2008. We should also be prepared and listen to ABC radio should the weather deteriorate further."

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Theresa Kuilboer
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