A cyclone watch has been cancelled for the Northern Territory's gulf region but severe weather is still expected as a tropical low continues developing.
The slow-moving system is currently located about 65 kilometres north of Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Late on Monday afternoon the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) cancelled the cyclone watch for coastline between Cape Shield and the NT-Queensland border.
Forecasters said it was becoming less likely the low would to develop into a tropical cyclone.
However, they said the monsoon trough was expected to remain in the gulf during the week, and damaging wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres an hour as well as heavy rain could still impact communities along the coast.
Tides are also expected to be higher than normal and large waves could produce some flooding in low lying areas.
BOM's Shenagh Gamble said earlier today that from Tuesday, the tropical low is expected to move south-east before curving back to the west toward the NT on Thursday.
A severe weather warning remains in place for parts of the Arnhem and Carpentaria districts, and a flood watch is still current for much of the Top End.
Residents urged to seek shelter, prepare for severe weather
This morning, when a cyclone watch was still current, Superintendent Paul Faustmann from Northern Territory Police said authorities had set up the emergency operations centre in Berrimah.
He said preparations for severe weather were underway with communities on Groote Eylandt as a first priority, followed by Borroloola.
Mark Cunnington from the NT's emergency service urged residents in the watch area to prepare for damaging conditions.
That involves finding a place to shelter, preparing emergency kits and cleaning up backyards to stop any loose objects being picked up by the wind, he said.
"Stay away from flooded roads and crossings," Mr Cunnington said.
"Don't enter floodwaters, and in respect of the heavy surf conditions expected as a result of the cyclone, be mindful when you're on the coastline and stay out of the water."
Mr Cunnington said communities in the affected area were generally well stocked and prepared for the wet season.
"It's usually not an issue for these communities, they're usually quite resilient," he said, adding road access during the wet season was an ongoing challenge.
