Alice Springs residents saw the Todd River flowing for the first time in nearly two years on Saturday as more than 40 millimetres of rain fell the previous day. The flowing river was a treat for many but others had the inconvenience of causeways being closed for a short while. Virtually no rain since Friday night has meant that the level has fallen significantly. Severe thunderstorms were responsible for the big downpour as a moisture laden low pressure trough crossed central Australia. Alice Springs airport and Undoolya both gained 42mm of rain on Friday while Alice Springs East picked up 35mm, the heaviest rain in the catchment since January 2007. This rain has been helpful to graziers who have been desperate for decent falls. The Channel Country in far western Queensland also gained widespread falls of 15 to 30mm, including 18mm in Birdsville, a five month high and more than the monthly average. Central Australia can expect a dry week but there is a chance of further showers and storms next weekendand early next week.