Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Kimberley and Pilbara districts.

Issued at 4:09 pm Thursday, 13 February 2025.

Persistent severe thunderstorms continuing this afternoon, associated with Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

Weather Situation: Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is located off the Pilbara coast of Western Australia. Persistent shower and thunderstorm activity on its eastern side is moving onshore, leading to a heavy rainfall and damaging wind risk.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is currently occurring in the area between Wallal Downs and Bidyadanga. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 100mm are likely. 24-hour rainfall totals of up to 250mm are possible.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible with thunderstorms or heavy showers during Thursday afternoon and may continue overnight as the system slowly starts to move south.

People in the north of WA 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.

A separate Tropical Cyclone Warning is also current. See http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml for more information.

Flood Watches and Warnings are current for the area. See http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Bidyadanga, Sandfire and Wallal Downs.

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.