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Australia’s ‘top end’s is bracing for wild weather

· Victoria and South Australia swelter

Two huge storms brewing off the Top End have put Queensland’s Gulf Country on cyclone watch and large parts of the Northern Territory on flood alert.

The Bureau of Meteorology said one tropical low was about 320km west of Mornington Island and barrelling southeast across the Gulf of Carpentaria at 10am (AEST) on Sunday.

There was a moderate chance it would develop into a category one cyclone within 24 to 48 hours, the forecaster said.

Gale force winds could develop in coastal and island communities between the NT-Queensland border and Kowanyama late on Monday or during Tuesday.

Another tropical low was brewing off the north Kimberley coast on Sunday morning.

It was expected to move across the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf on Sunday night before heading inland over the southwest Top End on Monday.

Residents between Cape Don and Nhulunbuy are warned of damaging wind gusts of up to 90km/h on Sunday, which could extend to the southwest coast of the Top End later in the evening.

The BOM says strong winds are likely to combine with high tides to cause the sea level to rise above the highest tidal level of the year across NT coastal areas on Sunday night.

Meanwhile the Adelaide and Daly rivers are in flood after downpours of over 150mm in some parts of their catchments.

The Adelaide River peaked at 12.3 metres and was holding steady on Saturday night, while the Daly River hit 12m on Sunday morning before an expected peak of 12.6m on Monday afternoon.

“While there is no need for alarm, members of the public do need to be alert, listen to ongoing advice, consider their options and make the necessary preparations to keep their families and their property safe,” police Commander Michael White said in a statement.

“I again urge drivers to carefully consider their options before trying to cross any flooded roadways. Trying to predict the water depth or not being able to see if the road is still intact could have fatal consequences.

“It is also imperative that people remain vigilant regarding croc awareness and other dangers, including submerged objects and floating debris in floodwaters.”

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