Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 2:02 am Sunday, 5 April 2020.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUING NEAR THE BASE OF THE TOP END

Weather Situation: A surface trough and unstable airmass are combining to produce severe thunderstorms near the base of the Top End.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Katherine, Mataranka, Larrimah, Bulman, Barunga, Beswick, Daly Waters, Mainoru and Minyerri.

87 km/h wind gust observed at Borroloola at 7:32 pm.

85 km/h wind gust observed at Tindal at 7:01 pm.

82 km/h wind gust observed at Centre Island at 7:20 pm.

71.6 mm rain observed at McArthur River Mine between 6:47pm and 7:47pm.

The Northern Territory Emergency Service advises that people should:
* slow down and turn your headlights on
* 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
* secure loose outside objects
* ensure pets and animals are safe
* avoid remaining in the open when storms threaten
* 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
* for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.securent.nt.gov.au