Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Kimberley district.

Issued at 10:58 am Wednesday, 27 January 2021.

Developing tropical low bringing heavy rain to the northern Kimberley.

Weather Situation: A tropical low is gradually developing over the southern Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and is expected to move slowly towards the west-southwest over the northern Kimberley during Wednesday and Thursday. The low is expected to cause frequent showers and thunderstorms over the Kimberley for the next couple of days.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is occurring in the northeastern Kimberley and is expected to extend further west during Wednesday and Thursday. Scattered 24 hour rainfall totals of 50 - 100mm are expected across the warning area, with heavier falls to 200mm possible.

Heavy rainfall through the northern Kimberley is likely to continue for the next few days and is forecast to extend to the western Kimberley during Thursday and Friday. It is possible that some localities will receive in excess of 400mm over the next 48 hours.

Locations which may be affected include Kununurra, Wyndham, Kalumburu, Lake Argyle, Mitchell Plateau and Troughton Island.

A Flood Watch is current for the Kimberley district in anticipation of heavy rain continuing for the next few days. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for further details.

People in the north of WA may experience this type of weather each year at this time but rain may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.

In the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday Kununurra Checkpoint recorded 88 mm of rain and Argyle Airport recorded 67 mm.

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.