Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:59 am WST on Tuesday 2 February 2021 Flood Watch Number: 8

FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS THE PILBARA AND SANDY DESERT

A tropical low is tracking west southwest just inland from the West Pilbara coast. Rainfall from the low has caused stream rises, areas of flooding and a number road closures. The system is forecast to move off the north west coast on Wednesday. The low is expected to produce heavy rainfall over coastal parts of the Pilbara for the remainder of Tuesday and persist Wednesday.

In the 24 hours to 9am Tuesday, rainfall totals up to 110 mm have been recorded across the flood watch area.

Rainfall forecast totals for Tuesday into Wednesday will range from 50 to 100 mm with isolated totals up to 200 mm per day in Pilbara Coastal areas west of Karratha through to Coral Bay including Exmouth.

Heavy rainfall is expected to cause significant flooding in the flood watch area. Secondary roads are likely to be disrupted and some communities and localities are likely to become isolated by road.

Dangerous flood waters may develop rapidly.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Pilbara Coastal Rivers

Gascoyne River

Sandy Desert

Flood Warnings are current for the following catchments: Fitzroy River, West Kimberley Rivers, De Grey, Pilbara Coastal Streams, Fortescue, Onslow Coast and Lyndon-Minilya.

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/maps-and-data/monitoring/river-level-monitoring


Rainfall and River Conditions Map