Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:50 am WST on Wednesday 24 January 2024

Flood Watch Number: 9

FLOODING POSSIBLE IN PARTS OF THE FITZROY RIVER, SANDY DESERT, DE GREY RIVER , FORTESCUE RIVER, ASHBURTON RIVER, GASCOYNE RIVER AND SALT LAKES DISTRICT FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS

A deep tropical low over the western North Interior is moving west reaching the Pilbara. The tropical low may become slow moving over the Pilbara from the middle of the week, bringing heavy rainfall over the Flood Watch area.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are wetting up from recent rainfall, which is resulting in rises in streams and creeks. Heavy rainfall has been observed over the southern/central Pilbara region with Newman receiving 128 mm in the 24 hours to 9am.

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast for the next few days across the Flood Watch area. Widespread daily rainfall totals of 30-80 mm are forecast with isolated falls of 100-150 mm possible for the next few days.

Minor to moderate flooding is possible with forecast rainfall. Flooding may affect road conditions which is likely to impact travel and movement across the Flood Watch area for the next few days.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Fitzroy River
(Flood warning is current for the Fitzroy River.)

De Grey River

Fortescue River

Ashburton River

Gascoyne River

Salt Lakes District Rivers

Sandy Desert

Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchments: Pilbara Coastal 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.emergency.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