Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields and South Interior districts.

Issued at 10:47 am Wednesday, 24 January 2024.

Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts possible through parts of Western Australia.

Weather Situation: A tropical low is located in the eastern Pilbara and is forecast to continue moving south to southeast.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the southern Pilbara and northeastern Gascoyne and parts of the Goldfields and Southern Interior districts throughout Wednesday, persisting into Thursday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 80 mm are likely during Wednesday afternoon, increasing to up to 100 mm overnight into Thursday.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are also possible within the northeast Gascoyne and southern Pilbara districts, particularly with thunderstorms and stronger showers.

Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current across northern WA catchments. For details, please see www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Newman, Leinster, Three Rivers and Wiluna.

Newman Airport recorded 128 mm in 24 hours to 9am, 70 mm of that in 6 hours to 7:30am.

Barimunya Airport recorded at wind gust of 94 km/h at 7:47am.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
* Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
* Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
* If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
* Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
* Assess your home, car and property for damage.
* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.