Tropical Cyclone Alfred remains slow moving along the Gulf of Carpentaria coast
20/02/2017
The tropical low in the Gulf of Carpentaria intensified to Category 1 strength this morning. Cyclone Alfred is forecast to move slowly south-southeast, and weaken into a tropical low again tomorrow (Tuesday).
Gales with gusts to 110km/h are occurring at Centre Island, and expected to affect coastal and island communities between Port McArthur and Mornington Island later today as the cyclone edges closer to the coast.
Heavy rain which may lead to flooding is occurring over the eastern Carpentaria District (NT) and Gulf Country District (Qld). Showers and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are possible over areas further inland.
Abnormally high tides are expected for the southern Gulf of Carpentaria coast over the next few days, but are not likely to exceed the highest tide of the year. Large waves may produce minor flooding along low-lying coastal areas.
Flood Watches have been issued for the Queensland Gulf Rivers and Northern Territory Carpentaria Coastal Rivers.
Catchments at risk include Queensland's Nicholson, Leichhardt, Flinders, Norman and Gilbert rivers and the Northern Territory's Roper and McArthur River systems.
Many catchments of the Carpentaria Coastal Rivers are saturated from monsoonal conditions over the past two weeks and are responding strongly to further rainfall. Road conditions have been affected in many areas and some roads remain impassable. Some communities may remain isolated until conditions improve.
For the latest rainfall and river conditions go to www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/ and www.bom.gov.au/nt/flood.
For warnings and the latest tropical cyclone forecast track maps see Warnings Summary page or www.bom.gov.au/cyclone.
Follow us on Twitter BOM_Qld and BOM_NT and watch the latest Severe Weather Update on YouTube.
The Bureau’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres in Brisbane and Darwin operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with forecasters monitoring the situation and providing the latest information for emergency services, media and the community.
The public are urged to closely monitor the Bureau’s website for the latest information and follow the advice of local emergency services.
