Outback rainfall records shattered as stubborn tropical low sparks widespread flood warning
Rainfall records for two of Australia's typically driest areas have been smashed, as a stagnant tropical low triggers flood warnings for almost half of the country.
After an overnight downpour totalling 40.4mm in 24 hours, Mount Isa in Queensland has notched up 318.mm since February 1, marking its wettest February on record.
That figure beats its previous monthly rainfall total from 1926, when 282.5mm fell across the month.
The tropical-low is sitting over central Australia. Weatherzone
In the Northern Territory, rain in Alice Springs has now fallen for the 15th day this month, including a nine-day streak earlier this month, according to Weatherzone.
The rainfall total in Alice Springs for February this year is sitting at 180.4 mm, falling behind the record by about 60mm.
Rain has lashed other outback locations across the country, with Nappa Marie near the Queensland-South Australian border pummelled with 169mm in the 24 hours to 9am.
Moomba Airport in South Australia's North East Pastoral region has already surpassed its average annual rainfall figure of 173.4mm after it was battered by nearly 50mm in 24 hours.
The unseasonally wet weather is being driven a slow-moving tropical low-pressure system over central Australia, which has triggered severe weather warnings for an area comparable with the size of France and Belgium.
A slow-moving low pressure system and associated trough has been linking up with a consistent feed of tropical moisture from the north.
The stubborn low-pressure system has sat above central Australia for most of the week and is not expected to change much over the next few days, Weatherzone said.
As a result, almost half of Australia has been put on flood watch, with warnings of a drenching for multiple states and territories in the coming days.
Parts of the Northern Territory, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and NSW are forecast to bear the brunt of the drenching, from today.
READ MORE: Most of Australia is staring down the barrel of a dry, hot autumn
The tropical low pressure system sitting over Central Australia on Wednesday, February 25. (Windy.com) Supplied
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jonathan How said residents should expect prolonged rainfall.
"For Northern Territory and Queensland, rainfall may start to ease later on Wednesday into Thursday, but for South Australia and NSW, heavy rain is forecast to continue well into the weekend, even pushing a little bit further south into South Australia from Friday," he said.
Authorities in NSW are warning residents in the state's west to prepare for extreme conditions from today.
Residents in Tibooburra, Broken Hill, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Wanaaring and Menindee are advised to stay indoors during severe weather and avoid unnecessary travel.
Rainfall totals of 50mm to 90mm are forecast within 24 hours, with isolated falls up to 130mm possible. In some areas, much of this rain may fall within six hours, increasing the likelihood of rapid creek rises, overland flooding and dangerous driving conditions.
READ MORE: Two arrested over alleged kidnapping, murder of Sydney grandfather
From tomorrow, some breaks in the rain are forecast across the NT and Queensland, but damp conditions will continue to build across parts of South Australia and north-western pockets of New South Wales.
Heading into Friday, the rain could extend into central parts of South Australia, including Adelaide.
The wet conditions are likely to linger over Central Australia into the weekend, and possibly continue into next week.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
