Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gascoyne, Goldfields, Eucla and South Interior districts.

Issued at 10:54 am Thursday, 25 January 2024.

Heavy rainfall continues through central and southeastern parts of the state.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system is located in the northeast Gascoyne and is forecast to move slowly east southeast today. Showers and thunderstorms embedded within a cloud band also extends from the low to the southeast of the state and will lead to periods of heavy rainfall.

For areas of the eastern Gascoyne, South Interior, and the Goldfields to the north of Menzies: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue today and is likely to persist into Friday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 60 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 100 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 80 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 150 mm.

For areas of the Eucla, and the Goldfields to the south of Menzies: HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is also forecast to continue this afternoon, mainly in slow moving thunderstorms. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 50 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 60 mm possible.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to ease across the southern Goldfields and Eucla districts by this evening, but will persist into Friday across the eastern Gascoyne, northern Goldfields and parts of Southern Interior.

This type of weather is a rare event for people in the southeast of WA at this time of year.

Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current across northern WA catchments. For details, please see www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Laverton, Leinster, Leonora, Menzies, Rawlinna and Wiluna.

Significant rainfall observations in the 24 hours to 9am Thursday include:

102 mm at Three Rivers (Gascoyne River)

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.