Residents in the Barkly and immediate surrounding areas are urged to check they have emergency plans in place with predictions of damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall of up to 200mm in 24 hours starting Saturday.

Regional Controller Southern Region, Acting Assistant Commissioner Michael Hebb said wind gusts of 100kmph and widespread rainfall of 150-200mm per day is expected after severe Tropical Cyclone Trevor crosses the NT coastline on Saturday and the system impacts communities in the Barkly and Southern districts.

“It is important people living in these areas are aware of the situation and its ability to rapidly change,” said Regional Controller Southern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Michael Hebb

“The current indications is that this could impact as far inland as Brunette Downs and continuing south on Sunday and remain at Tropical Cyclone strength for up to 24 hours after its made landfall. This will bring 24 hours of heavy rainfall and damaging winds.”

Surveying is being undertaken to identify a number of remote outstations in the tracking path of Tropical Cyclone Trevor.

“With limited data, it is difficult to predict the flow of water resulting from heavy rainfall, and so to ensure there is no loss of human life we are looking to evacuate people in those outstations.

“People being evacuated will be transported to an emergency centre set up in Tennant Creek following evacuations.”

“Additionally, emergency shelters, particularly in Tennant Creek, will be available for those that may not be able to shelter from the inclement weather, and further advice will be provided as we progress into the weekend.

“There have been no further planned evacuations or directions given to evacuate at this stage. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor this requirement and encourage people to be prepared.

“It’s also a timely reminder to those on cattle stations in the area to ensure they have adequate emergency plans in place during the severe storm event, and to self-assess and determine whether they are in a position to self-evacuate.

“Those who choose to stay need to be aware there is limitation as to our ability to respond and assist once the storm sets in.

“The Barkly region is expected to receive widespread three-day rainfall totals between 50mm and 100mm, with a flood watch current for the Carpentaria Coastal Rivers and Barkly region resulting in significant stream rises and localised flooding.

“Roads in the area may be closed and become impassable and communities will become isolated as a result.”

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