Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 1:11 pm WST on Friday 19 January 2024

Flood Watch Number: 1

FLOODING POSSIBLE IN PARTS OF THE KIMBERLEY AND FITZROY RIVERS AND STURT CREEK DISTRICT FROM SUNDAY

A Tropical Low currently lies over land near Elliott in the Northern Territory. The low is expected to cross into Western Australia during Sunday, producing heavy rainfall over the Flood Watch area.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are slightly wet from recent rainfall, which is resulting in small rises in streams and creeks.

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast for the next few days across the Flood Watch area. Widespread daily rainfall totals of 30 - 100 mm are forecast for Sunday. Daily rainfall totals are forecast to increase to 100 - 150 mm on Monday and Tuesday, with isolated falls above 300 mm possible.

Minor to moderate flooding is possible with forecast rainfall. Flooding may affect road conditions which is likely to impact travel and movement across the Kimberley during the weekend and next week.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

East Kimberley Rivers
West Kimberley Rivers
Fitzroy River
Sturt Creek District

This flood watch is available by dialling 1300 659 213. For more information on the Flood Watch Service visit http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml

Flood Safety Advice:
DFES advises people and communities to be aware that flooding is possible and be prepared to relocate equipment and livestock. Watch water levels. Travellers need to be aware that road conditions may be adversely affected and travel plans may need to be reconsidered. Do not drive into water of unknown depth and velocity.

Community information is available from DFES at www.emergency.wa.gov.au/

Current river levels are available from Department of Water and Environmental Regulation at www.water.wa.gov.au/maps-and-data/monitoring/river-level-monitoring

Rainfall and River Conditions Map