Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:00 pm Friday, 8 March 2024.
HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL DEVELOPING ABOUT SOUTHEASTERN WESTERN AUSTRALIA THIS WEEKEND.

Weather Situation: A cold front moving into southeastern Western Australia will stall on Saturday morning. An extremely moist airmass drawn down from the tropics will interact with this front to produce a band of heavy to intense rainfall with embedded thunderstorms this weekend.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the eastern Goldfields, Eucla and southern South Interior from early Saturday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 60 mm are likely, with 24-hour totals of 50 to 90 mm also likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with embedded thunderstorm activity in the rain band. Isolated six-hourly totals of around 80 mm are possible, with 24-hour totals of 120 to 150 mm also possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

Heavy rainfall is likely to persist with this system during Sunday and potentially into Monday as the synoptic pattern is very slow moving. This is not typical weather for southeastern Western Australia.

A Flood Watch is current for catchments in the southeast. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Balladonia, Eyre, Laverton, Leinster, Leonora and Rawlinna.

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.