Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 2:54 pm AWST on Monday 16 February 2026

Flood Watch Number: 1

HEAVY RAIN AND LOCALISED FLOODING EXPECTED IN THE WEST KIMBERLEY AND SANDY DESERT OVER COMING DAYS

Heavy rainfall and localised flooding are expected over the coming days in the West Kimberley and Sandy Desert with the highest rainfall totals along coastal and near coastal areas, including Broome and Derby. Further inland heavy rainfall is likely to adversely affect areas where flood impacts are already occurring.

A tropical low is slowly developing in the Kimberley over the next few days, most likely moving offshore across the southwest Kimberley coast or far east Pilbara coast on Wednesday, then travelling parallel along the Pilbara coast later in the week.

Rainfall totals over the 48 hours to 9am Wednesday for the West Kimberley and Sandy Desert along the coastal areas including Broome and Derby are likely to be in the range of 180 to 260 mm, and further inland rainfall totals are likely to be in the range 90 to 140 mm. Higher isolated rainfall totals are possible due to thunderstorm activity.

Catchments in the flood watch area are wet due to recent rainfall with elevated river levels and flood impacts occurring in some catchments.

Forecast rainfall in the affected catchments is expected to result in river rises, areas of flooding and adversely impact road conditions. Some roads may become impassable and communities linked by roads may become isolated.

The situation will be monitored closely and Flood Warnings will be issued as required.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

De Grey River

West Kimberley Rivers

Sandy Desert

A Moderate Flood Warning is current for the Fitzroy River

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood

Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/.
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Rainfall and River Conditions Map