Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:48 am WST on Wednesday 17 February 2021

Flood Watch Number: 11

FLOODING MAY DEVELOP IN THE KIMBERLEY AND DE GREY RIVER CATCHMENTS. POSSIBLE RENEWED RIVER RISES IN THE GASCOYNE RIVER.

A broad trough lies over the north of the state and will remain near stationary over the next few days.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms to continue in the Kimberley as it contracts to the north west Kimberley coast late Wednesday into Thursday.

In the 24 hours to 9:00 am Wednesday, rainfall totals of 10 - 20 mm were recorded in the Kimberley and De Grey River catchments. No significant rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours to 9:00 am Wednesday in the Gascoyne River catchment.

Rainfall forecast totals for remainder of Wednesday into Thursday will range from 15 to 30 mm with isolated totals between 60 to 80 mm in the coast of the North Kimberley and Gascoyne River catchments. Rainfall totals of between 5 to 15 mm is forecast for the rest of the Kimberley Rivers and the De Grey River catchments.

Flooding of low lying areas and river rises are expected. Many roads, and possibly secondary highways, may be affected. Some communities and homesteads may become or remain isolated. Check road conditions being travelling.

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

Catchments likely to be affected include:

North Kimberley Rivers
West Kimberley Rivers
De Grey River
Gascoyne River

Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchments: East Kimberley Rivers.

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.dfes.wa.gov.au

Current river levels are available from Department of Water and Environmental Regulation at www.water.wa.gov.au

Rainfall and River Conditions Map