Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:51 pm Thursday, 25 January 2024.

Heavy rainfall forecast to continue through southern inland parts of the state through Friday.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system located around Wiluna is forecast to move slowly east southeast for the remainder of today and through Friday. An upper trough over southern Western Australia will also continue to generate a cloudband to the southeast of the low, producing rain areas with embedded thunderstorms.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue tonight, extending to southwestern parts of the South Interior district through Friday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 60 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 100 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 80 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 150 mm.

This type of weather is a rare event for people in the southeast of WA at this time of year.

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 Laverton, Leinster, Leonora and Wiluna.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Eucla district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Significant rainfall observations since 9 am Thursday include:

50 mm at Wiluna Airport

Significant rainfall observations in the 24 hours to 9am Thursday include:

102 mm at Three Rivers (Gascoyne River)

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.