Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:09 am Wednesday, 13 March 2024.

HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL OVER SOUTHEASTERN WA, MAINLY OVERNIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING.

Weather Situation: A near-stationary trough over southeastern Western Australia will drift a little to the west into the eastern Goldfields overnight into Thursday morning. A very moist airmass will continue to be drawn southward from the tropics, and will combine with this trough to produce a band of heavy rainfall, with embedded thunderstorms capable of locally intense falls.

Areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING are forecast for the eastern Goldfields, and adjacent parts of the western Eucla and southern South Interior. Areas of heavy rainfall will remain quite isolated through the remainder of today, but are forecast to become more widespread overnight and Thursday morning. Isolated six-hourly rainfall totals of 30 to 60 mm are likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with embedded thunderstorm activity over the eastern Goldfields overnight and Thursday morning. Six-hourly totals of around 80 mm are possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

A Flood Watch and several Flood Warnings are 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 Laverton, Rawlinna and Zanthus.

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.