Following the dissipation of former Cyclone Blake over western Australia, another storm will be brewing into the weekend over the continent's northern border.
While Blake will continue to rain itself out and trigger localized flooding over Western Australia into the beginning of the weekend, forecasters will be switching their focus to a budding tropical system over the northern part of the country.
A tropical low moved over the coast of Northern Territory through the middle of the week and brought a broad area of heavy rain and thunderstorms to the region.
This low passed just south of Darwin late Friday as rainfall totals climbed across the area.
As of late Friday night, local time, widespread rainfall totals of 100-150 mm (4-6 inches) have been reported in the area. In Darwin, 110 mm (4.33 inches) of rain has fallen since Thursday.
Farther east, 225 mm (9 inches) of rain has been reported in Jabiru.
The risk for flash flooding across the western coasts of Northern Territory will continue into the weekend as rain and thunderstorms remain in the forecast as the storm moves away from the coast.
This satellite image from Friday afternoon, local time, shows the cluster of showers and thunderstorms near Australia's Top End that is being monitored for potential tropical development. (RAMMB/CIRA)
By Saturday, the low is expected to move out over the Timor Sea where it will move into an environment conducive for tropical development, when it would be given the name Claudia.
Warm ocean water, less friction from interacting with land and moderate to low wind shear will allow the storm to wrap up and strengthen into the weekend.
The storm may be able to ramp up quickly and could become a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australia scale, equivalent to a tropical storm in the Atlantic Basin.
Some rounds of tropical downpours and gusty winds can reach the the coast of northwestern Australia, but the heaviest rain and strongest wind should remain offshore due to the track of the system.
However, if the storm track shifts farther south, heavier rain and stronger wind gusts can reach coastal areas, including the Kimberley coast.
RELATED:
As of late Friday night, local time, a warning zone for gale-force winds in the next 24 hours has been issued across coastal areas from Wyndham to Mitchell Plateau by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology.
A watch zone for gale-force winds in the next 24-48 hours has been issued across coastal areas from Kuri Bay to Beagle Bay Plateau
Regardless of track, rough seas and increased risk for rip currents will be extend across the northwestern coasts through the weekend and into the beginning of next week.
There is potential for the storm to continue to strengthen into the beginning of next week as it tracks to the southwest into the Indian Ocean.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
No comments:
Post a Comment