Coastal communities in Australia are being closely monitored as Tropical Cyclone Lincoln moves between the Northern Territory (NT)-Queensland border and Port McArthur. The category one storm is expected to bring more wild conditions to already rain-lashed cities and regions after making landfall on the Gulf of Carpentaria’s southwest coast around 6:30 pm on Feb. 16. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the weather system will move inland and likely weaken in intensity before crossing the central NT towards Western Australia (WA) over the weekend, bringing heavy rain to inland communities.
A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds is in place for the western Gulf Country including Burketown. Wind gusts of up to 110 km/h and heavy rain are expected to impact the Gulf of Carpentaria coastal areas. Additionally, severe storms with heavy rainfall and damaging winds are predicted for the Peninsula and North West. Tennant Creek and Elliott in the NT, as well as some northern parts of Queensland, could see 24-hour rainfall totals of 50 mm to 100 mm, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 200 mm of rain.
In the wake of the tropical cyclone, widespread flooding has occurred in northwest Queensland, resulting in the isolation of some communities. More than 60 residents have been evacuated from Burketown, which recorded 135 mm of rain in 24 hours. In the NT, people have been evacuated from the community of Beswick, south of Katherine. The cyclone warning extends to parts of northwest Queensland, Mornington Island, and the east of the NT, with gale-force winds expected. The bureau has also noted a “moderate” risk of the system becoming a cyclone again if it reaches the waters west of the Kimberley in WA later next week.
Unfortunately, the severe weather conditions have already led to tragic loss, as the body of a 28-year-old woman was found in a submerged car in floodwaters near Mount Isa. It is believed that the woman had attempted to drive through a flooded causeway. The severe weather conditions and potential risks underscore the importance of remaining vigilant and following safety guidelines during these challenging weather events.