Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gascoyne and Central West districts.

Issued at 5:02 am Friday, 5 February 2021.

Tropical low bringing heavy rainfall and squally conditions to the Gascoyne and the Central West

Weather Situation: At 4:00am WST Friday 5 February, a slow moving tropical low was located approximately 70km west to northwest of Carnarvon. The low is expected to move slowly southwest during Friday before taking a southerly track on Saturday.
It is not forecast to develop into a tropical cyclone however hazardous weather is still likely.

HEAVY RAINFALL with daily totals between 50 to 75 millimetres and isolated falls up to 150 millimetres are possible over the southwestern Gascoyne during Friday before extending into the Central West from late Friday evening or early Saturday morning. As the system is slow moving there could be significant accumulated rainfall totals over multiple days.

The low may also cause DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts to 90 km/h over coastal areas.

A track map showing forecast movement of the Tropical Low is available at www.bom.gov.au/products/IDW60281.shtml

Flood Warnings are current for river catchments across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne districts. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for further details.

Locations which may be affected include Denham, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Northampton, Overlander Roadhouse and Wooramel Roadhouse.

Widespread falls of 50-100mm have been recorded across western parts of the Gascoyne in the last 24 hours.

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

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.