Severe Weather Warning: Life-Threatening Flash Flooding Possible in North East Pastoral District

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy and locally intense rainfall. The alert is classified as a top priority for immediate broadcast and is currently in effect for parts of the North East Pastoral district in South Australia.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically targets the North East Pastoral district. Locations that may be impacted by these conditions include:

• Moomba
• Innamincka
• Arkaroola
• The area east of Lake Frome
• Mungeranie on the Birdsville Track
• The Strzelecki Track south of Moomba

Significant rainfall has already been observed in the region, with 110.2 mm recorded at Marree Aero in the 12 hours prior to 4:45 am.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents and travelers in the warning area to take immediate safety precautions:

• Do not drive, ride, or walk through flood water.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Stay indoors and away from windows while conditions are severe.
• Monitor local TV and radio broadcasts for further updates.

Expected Conditions

A rich tropical airmass and a surface trough are interacting with an upper trough to produce hazardous conditions. Expected rainfall amounts include:

• Heavy Rainfall: Six-hourly totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, which may lead to flash flooding.
• Intense Rainfall: Locally intense rainfall is possible, particularly in central parts of the district. Six-hourly totals between 80 and 100 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 120 mm.
• 24-Hour Totals: Accumulations between 80 and 120 mm are likely, with isolated totals reaching 140 mm.

These conditions are expected to cause dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in affected areas.

Timeline

The risk of heavy rainfall will continue through Tuesday and into Wednesday. Intense rainfall is expected to begin easing from early Wednesday morning. Broader weather conditions are forecast to ease during Wednesday afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next update by 11:00 pm ACDT Tuesday.