The Bureau of Meteorology has issued the warning at 8am this morning after an intense rain band from ex tropical cyclone Grant brought very heavy rainfall to the lower catchments of the Katherine River, in particular Upper Seventeen Mile Creek which saw almost 300 mm 298mm since 9am yesterday.

The Katherine River remains near the minor flood level (3.0m) for Gorge Road.

Police advice that the Stuart Highway between Pine Creek and Katherine has been cut off at the Cullen River bridge.

Latest river heights:

(Location, height of river, date, time of observation)

Katherine River near Birdie Creek 2.41m rising 02:45pm Monday 26/12/11

Seventeen Mile Creek 5.18m falling 04:50am Tuesday 27/12/11

Katherine River at Nitmiluk Centre 3.78m falling 05:10am Tuesday 27/12/11

Katherine River at Katherine Bridge 8.24m rising 05:20am Tuesday 27/12/11

River height and rainfall information are available on the Bureau of Meteorology web site at www.bom.gov.au/nt/flood.