Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Kimberley district.

Issued at 8:31 am Thursday, 27 March 2025.

Heavy rainfall and locally damaging winds over the Kimberley from Friday with a tropical low.

Weather Situation: A tropical low pressure system (28U) off the northern Kimberley coast is forecast to move onshore some time late Friday night or Saturday morning. Currently, there is a moderate chance that 28U will develop into a Tropical Cyclone before moving onshore.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the northern Kimberley from Friday morning, initially focused about coastal areas but spreading inland and throughout the warning area during Saturday as the low moves onshore.

Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 150 mm are possible.

Locally DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 100 km/h are possible about the coast from Friday afternoon as 28U approaches the coast.

A forecast for Tropical Low 28U can be found on the Tropical Cyclone home page at http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml. If the system does become likely to develop into a tropical cyclone, a separate Tropical Cyclone Warning and Advice will be issued.

Locations which may be affected include Derby, Kalumburu, Kuri Bay, Mitchell Plateau, Mount Barnett and Troughton Island.

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.