Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:51 am WST on Thursday 25 January 2024

Flood Watch Number: 10

FLOODING POSSIBLE IN PARTS OF THE SANDY DESERT, DE GREY RIVER , FORTESCUE RIVER, ASHBURTON RIVER, GASCOYNE RIVER AND SALT LAKES DISTRICT

A deep tropical low over the northeast Gascoyne is slowly moving east southeast towards the far northern Goldfields today, bringing heavy rainfall over the Flood Watch area.

The tropical low will move into the interior on Friday and is expected to dissipate into a trough.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are wetting up from recent rainfall, which is resulting in rises in streams and creeks. Heavy rainfall has been observed over the southern/central Pilbara region with Three Rivers (Meekatharra) receiving 102 mm in the 24 hours to 9am.

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across the Flood Watch area. Widespread daily rainfall totals of 30-80 mm are forecast with isolated falls of 100-150 mm possible for the next two days.

Significant river, creek, and stream rises are likely with heavy rainfall, with possible flooding across the Flood Watch area during the next week.

Flooding may affect road conditions which is likely to impact travel and movement across the Flood Watch area for the next few days.

Some communities and homesteads may get isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
De Grey River

Fortescue River

Ashburton River

Gascoyne River

Salt Lakes District Rivers

Sandy Desert

A minor flood warning for the Fitzroy River catchment is current.

This flood watch is available by dialling 1300 659 213. For more information on the Flood Watch Service visit http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml
Flood Safety Advice:

DFES advises people and communities to be aware that flooding is possible and be prepared to relocate equipment and livestock. Watch water levels. Travellers need to be aware that road conditions may be adversely affected and travel plans may need to be reconsidered. Do not drive into water of unknown depth and velocity.

Community information is available from DFES at www.emergency.wa.gov.au/

Current river levels are available from Department of Water and Environmental Regulation at www.water.wa.gov.au/maps-and-data/monitoring/river-level-monitoring

Rainfall and River Conditions Map