Located in the arid heart of Central Australia, Alice Springs climate is renowned for the sunny days. Except for the occasional dust storm, most days are filled with blue skies.

Todd River, view south from the the Wills Terrace and Undoolya Road Main Causeway, Alice Springs, 23 Feb 2010
Todd River, view south from Wills Terrace / Undoolya Road Main Causeway, Alice Springs, 23 Feb 2010

Rainfall is a rare occurrence in Central Australia compared to other parts of the continent, yet when it does rain, depending on the storm severity, the amount of rain that falls and the region where the rain falls, the result can be flash floods and torrents, with the deluge sweeping through formerly dry channels and sandy riverbeds. Such an event can fill the usually dry Todd River and is an event that brings out locals to enjoy the spectacle of a flowing river.

Road Closed (Undoolya Road Main Causeway), 9 Jan 2010
Road Closed (Undoolya Road Main Causeway), 9 Jan 2010

In January 2010, it was amazing to see the heavy rain laden clouds over Alice Springs and Central Australia. During this time, Alice Springs received a ‘Category C’ flooding event warning, which saw water peaking in the Todd River at 2.85 metres on Saturday 9th, 2010, making this the biggest flood for Alice during this decade.

Check our more images of rain clouds from Anzac Hill.

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