UPDATED: A cyclone watch for seaside communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Alyangula to the Queensland border, has been downgraded by the Bureau of Meteorology, but the tropical low is still expected to bring damaging winds and and heavy rainfall.

The low was about 115km east northeast of Alyangula on Monday but failed to intensify. Authorities said the monsoon trough extends across the Top End and Gulf of Carpentaria, with a low embedded in the trough near Groote Eylandt and is expected to deliver strong winds and heavy rain over the next few days.

The BOM said they believed the low would “remain below cyclone strength”.

“Local controllers in the Numbulwar, Groote Eylandt, Ngukurr and Borroloola have activated their emergency plans,” Regional Controller, Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said on Sunday.

“People living and working in the areas under a watch are advised that now is the time to make sure your cyclone plans are finalised. Your emergency kits should be stocked and ready. You should determine now, where you and your family will take shelter if required to do so.”

He urged communities to observe all safety measures and not attempt to cross flooded roads or crossings as heavy rains and flash floods are expected.

As part of the flood watch issued by the Northern Territory Emergency Service, people are advised to follow safety procedures which include securing loose outside objects and seeking shelter when conditions deteriorate; stopping their vehicles with park and hazard lights on if the heavy downpour is encountered during their drive; and avoid driving into water of unknown depth and current.

Emergency Service also urged people to prepare emergency kits, radios with spare batteries, and torches for the event of power outages.

People are also advised to make sandbags— using pillowcases or shopping bags filled with sand—to be placed around doorways in case of flooding and stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.

Those in the affected areas are also directed to log in to www.bom.gov.au for the latest weather information. Information on preparing for cyclones can also go to www.securent.nt.gov.au.