Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:17 pm WST on Tuesday 11 February 2025

Flood Watch Number: 4

FLOODING POSSIBLE FOR THE DE GREY RIVER, PILBARA COASTAL RIVERS, FORTESCUE RIVER AND PARTS OF SANDY DESERT FROM THURSDAY

A tropical low is forming off the northwest Kimberley coast. The low is forecast to move southwest parallel to the coast and potentially develop into a tropical cyclone later Wednesday. The system is then forecast to move further to the south towards the Pilbara coast but may become slow moving on Thursday and Friday while strengthening further.

A Tropical Cyclone Advice is current for parts of the Pilbara and Kimberley coast.

Catchments across the Flood Watch area, particularly towards the coast, have become wet with recent rainfall.

Widespread daily rainfall totals of 30-50 mm are forecast around the Flood Watch area for Wednesday, with isolated higher totals in excess of 80 mm possible. Higher daily totals are possible around the Pilbara coast later in the week depending on the development and track of the low.

Forecast rainfall in the flood watch area is expected to result in river rises, areas of flooding and may adversely affect road conditions and some communities may become isolated. Significant disruption of transportation network and extensive road closures are possible.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

De Grey River

Pilbara Coastal Rivers

Fortescue River

Sandy Desert

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