Monitoring continues across the Barkly and north eastern region, with predicted gusty damaging winds and steady rainfall expected in the area today as the system continues to travel south east to Queensland.

In the next 24 hours it is expected that adverse weather conditions will continue, with Tennant Creek expected to receive rainfall totals of 40 to 70mm.

There have been steady showers in Tennant Creek since 4am, and this is expected to continue throughout the day, with more significant weather heading towards the east and closer to the QLD border.

Some areas within the Barkly may receive between 100 to 200mm of rainfall, which means there is still a chance of flash flooding today and tonight.

It is predicted that the tropical low over the Barkly region will shift its focus toward the north east Simpson district within a 24 hour period.

Alice Springs remains on the edge of the system, and at this time there is a 60 per cent chance of rainfall, with no expectation of significant rain in the Todd River catchment area.

We will continue to monitor the tropical low weather system and provide storm warnings and updates for the affected areas throughout the day.

Emergency services assessed and evacuated people from remote communities and outstations considered at risk, throughout Friday night and Saturday.

Those residents were taken to an evacuation centre set up in Tennant Creek.

An emergency shelter has now been established at the Tennant Creek Civic Hall to accommodate community members who do not have adequate shelter or whose housing arrangements may not withstand the predicted damaging winds and heavy rainfall.

“We urge those who are considering to seek shelter to make their way to the shelter now prior to the weather deteriorating further,” said Regional Controller, Acting Assistant Commissioner Michael Hebb

It is important people who seek shelter are aware that they need to bring their own provisions, including food and bedding, and that substances including all drugs and alcohol – are strictly prohibited in emergency shelters.

Animals are not allowed in the emergency shelter.

If you are attending the emergency shelter at the Tennant Creek Civic Centre, please make sure;

·       You bring your own food provisions, enough to last 48 hours

·       One bag per person can be brought into the emergency shelters.

·       Important items to bring include;

·       Personal identification

·       Medicare card

·       Bank account details

·       Any required medications

·       Clothing

·       Personal items such as towels and toiletries

·       Nappies, formula, toys and others items for children and babies

·       Sheets and pillows.

Prior to the arrival of severe weather, owners should ensure their pets are in a safe and secure environment where they can’t hurt themselves or run away if frightened.

If you have to evacuate your home and cannot take your companion animals with you, leave them in the house with enough food and water for five days. Fill buckets of water and leave them around the house.

For continuing updates, stay listening to local radio and check the Bureau of Meteorology and Secure NT websites and social media pages.

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