Travellers warned as severe weather looms
Posted
Satellite image of Cyclone Laurence. (www.bom.gov.au)
A severe weather warning has been issued for the south-west Alice Springs district.
The Bureau of Meteorology says Tropical Cyclone Laurence is expected to weaken into a deep low as it travels east towards the Western Australian-Northern Territory border tomorrow afternoon.
It is predicting widespread damaging wind gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour in the region, including Yulara, near Uluru, and Kulgera, as well as heavy rainfall.
"Yulara's going to get quite blowy and wet overnight on Wednesday night," senior forecaster Sally Cutter said.
"If it tracks a little bit further eastwards than south-east-south that will bring it up just that little closer to Alice Springs.
"So there is still the potential that Alice Springs may get a little bit of wind associated with it.
"Good chance though of still getting some decent falls."
The Northern Territory Emergency Service is advising people to secure loose objects and seek shelter when the conditions deteriorate.
Sergeant Owen Auricht from the Kulgera police station says motorists travelling to Uluru and Kings Canyon should take extra provisions.
"It's still unconfirmed as to where the rain will hit or if it does over the next couple of days," he said.
"Basically we're telling people to travel with care.
"If they are travelling through, let's say to Yulara, to pack accordingly for an extended stay as a possibility if the roads do get cut off."
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