The Bureau of Meteorology has declared a cyclone watch for coastal communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Alyangula to the Queensland border, as a tropical low may intensify overnight in the Arnhem and Carpentaria districts.
The monsoon trough is strengthening over the Gulf of Carpentaria, with a low embedded in the trough moving over water and deepening during Sunday.
The low is expected to intensify during Monday. Gales are not expected in coastal areas within the next 24 hours, however gales with gusts to 90 kilometres per hour may develop from Groote Eylandt, including Alyangula, to the NT/QLD border from early Monday afternoon.
Regional Controller, Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said: "Local controllers in the Numbulwar, Groote Eylandt, Ngukurr and Borroloola have activated their emergency plans.
"People living and working in the areas under a watch are advised that now is the time to make sure your cyclone plans are finalised. Your emergency kits should be stocked and ready. You should determine now, where you and your family will take shelter if required to do so.
"Heavy rains and flash flooding can be expected so we urged the community to use all safety precautions and do not attempt to cross any flooded roads or crossings."
A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Top End.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
- secure loose outside objects and seek shelter when conditions deteriorate
- pull over if it is raining heavily and you cannot see, park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears
- avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current
- create your own sandbags if there is flooding, by using pillow cases or shopping bags filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home
- stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways
- ensure pets and animals are safe
- be prepared in case of power outages, have an emergency kit with a radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit
- for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact NTES on 132 500.
For the latest weather information go to www.bom.gov.au
For information on preparing for a cyclone go to www.securent.nt.gov.au
