Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:55 am Tuesday, 12 March 2024.
HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL OCCURRING ABOUT SOUTHEASTERN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

Weather Situation: A near-stationary trough over southeastern Western Australia will remain in the area until the middle of the week. A moist airmass drawn southward from the tropics is combining with this trough to produce a band of heavy rainfall, with embedded thunderstorms capable of locally intense falls.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the eastern Goldfields, central Eucla and southern South Interior today and continuing into Wednesday. Isolated six-hourly rainfall totals of 30 to 60 mm are likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with embedded thunderstorm activity in the rain band. Six-hourly totals of around 80 mm are possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

Heavy rainfall is likely to persist with this system through the rest of today and into Wednesday. This is not typical weather for southeastern Western Australia.
A Flood Watch and several Flood Warnings are current for catchments in the southeast. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Carnegie, Cocklebiddy, Eyre, Rawlinna and Zanthus.

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.