Severe Weather Warning for Northern Territory: Intense Rainfall and Damaging Winds Expected from Cyclone Narelle

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDD21037) for heavy, locally intense rainfall and damaging winds. This is a top-priority broadcast for residents in the Northern Territory.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the Daly, Arnhem, Carpentaria, and Gregory forecast districts. Specific locations that may be affected include:

• Katherine
• Jabiru
• Maningrida
• Nauiyu
• Batchelor
• Adelaide River
• Milingimbi
• Mataranka
• Pine Creek
• Cooinda
• Larrimah
• Barunga

Expected Conditions

Tropical Cyclone Narelle is currently over the central Gulf of Carpentaria and is moving west. It is expected to make landfall overnight Saturday and transition into a deep tropical low as it moves across the central Top End.

• Rainfall: Heavy rain likely to cause flash flooding. Six-hourly totals of 80 to 120 mm and 24-hourly totals of 180 to 230 mm are expected.
• Intense Rainfall: North of Katherine, locally intense rainfall may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, with six-hourly totals up to 180 mm and 24-hourly totals reaching 350 mm.
• Damaging Winds: Peak gusts of approximately 100 km/h are possible, particularly within the Carpentaria and Arnhem districts.

Timeline

• Landfall: Expected overnight Saturday, March 21, into early Sunday morning.
• Rainfall Commencement: Heavy rain is forecast for the central Top End (including Katherine) starting early Sunday afternoon, shifting toward the Daly district late Sunday.
• Wind Impacts: Damaging gusts are most likely during Sunday afternoon and evening.

What You Should Do

The Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) advises residents to take the following actions:

• Secure loose outside objects and seek shelter as conditions deteriorate.
• If driving in heavy rain, pull over if visibility is lost and park with hazard lights on.
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth or current.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Create sandbags using pillowcases or shopping bags if flooding threatens your home.
• Ensure pets and animals are in a safe location.
• Prepare for potential power outages by checking your emergency kit (radio, torch, batteries, and first aid).
• For emergency assistance in floods or storms, contact the NTES at 132 500.