Hurricane Narelle is continuing to seriously affect the Top End area of Northern Australia Territory, with prolonged heavy rain.
The latest storm forecast shows high potential risks of flash floods, flooding and strong gusts of wind, directly affecting tourism and travel.
According to the Australian Meteorological Agency, Hurricane Narelle has weakened to Category 3 after making landfall in Queensland with Category 4 intensity on March 20.
It is forecast that the storm will continue to move into the Top End area on the night of March 21, passing through the eastern coastal strip before weakening into a tropical depression from March 22-23.
However, the storm's circulation still causes widespread heavy rain and dangerous strong winds.
Local authorities warn that the entire river system in Top End is full of water, increasing the risk of rapid flooding. Many areas may be isolated due to deep flooding or damage to roads.
Warnings about boiling water have been issued in many communities due to the risk of water pollution after floods. People and tourists are advised to only use boiled water or bottled water for drinking and essential living.
Coastal tourist destinations and communities such as Groote Eylandt or Borroloola are on high alert for the risk of gusts of up to 185-195km/h and prolonged heavy rain.
In the past 48 hours, rainfall recorded in many places has been very high, with points exceeding 400mm. Weather forecasts show that heavy rain of 100-200mm will continue widely over the weekend, accompanied by thunderstorms and the risk of flash floods.
Although the storm tends to weaken as it goes deep inland, the impact of the storm's circulation still causes the weather in Northern Australia to maintain a dangerous state at least until the beginning of next week.
Meteorological experts recommend that tourists closely monitor storm forecasts, limit moving to affected areas and comply with the instructions of functional agencies.
Meanwhile, the weather in Queensland is gradually stabilizing as the storm leaves the coast, although there are still showers and thunderstorms in some coastal areas.
It is forecast that thunderstorms may also spread to New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, causing temperatures to drop slightly in the coming days.
