Territorians, particularly communities along the Gulf of Carpentaria and further inland across the Top End, are being urged to prepare now as Tropical Cyclone Narelle develops in the Coral Sea and is expected to impact the Northern Territory in coming days.
Authorities warn a Cyclone Watch may be issued later this week as the system continues to track west.
Coastal communities from Nhulunbuy to the Queensland border, including Borroloola and Groote Eylandt, are likely to be impacted. Communities inland, from the Gulf of Carpentaria through to the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf in Western Australia, may also be affected.
Residents should prepare for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, coastal impacts and flooding.
This warning comes as much of the Territory remains saturated following recent, unprecedented flooding, with river systems across the Daly, Roper and Katherine catchments still elevated.
There is an increased flood risk. Even moderate rainfall may lead to rapid river rises and renewed flooding.
This weather system, even after it has moved inland may result in:
renewed and prolonged riverine floodingflash flooding and road closuresisolation of remote communities.
Incident Controller Kirsten Engels said the situation could escalate quickly.
"Conditions across the Territory mean we are particularly vulnerable right now. With the ground already saturated, it won't take much rainfall to trigger further flooding," she said.
"Tropical Cyclone Narelle is developing and there is a real risk of further impacts. People in at-risk areas, including coastal and remote communities, should not wait - now is the time to prepare."
Many communities have recently experienced severe weather and flooding.
"We know this has been a difficult time for many Territorians who are still recovering," Ms Engels said.
"However, we need people to act now and be ready for further impacts."
Now is the time to:
familiarise yourself with your emergency plan and know where you will shelter if neededrestock emergency kits to support you and your family for at least three daysinclude water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, baby supplies, pet needs and beddingensure you have a battery-powered radio and first aid kitsecure loose outdoor items and clear gutters and drainsprepare for possible isolation, including fuel, food and communication needs.
Please stay informed. Residents are urged to monitor the following for the latest updates:
the Bureau of Meteorology website or appsecurent.nt.gov.ausecureNT on Facebook and listen to your local radio
Further updates will be provided as Cyclone Narelle tracks westwards.
