Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:34 pm WST on Sunday 19 January 2025

Flood Watch Number: 5

FLOODING POSSIBLE IN THE COASTAL PARTS OF THE KIMBERLEY AND THE PILBARA INTO MONDAY

Tropical Cyclone Sean has now formed during Sunday and is moving west to southwest offshore from the west Pilbara. While this system is expected to remain offshore, it is bringing increased rainfall to areas near the Pilbara coast and western Kimberley.

Catchments in the generalised Flood Watch area are slowly wetting up in parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara, leading to river, stream and creek level rises.

Severe thunderstorms are possible with heavy falls through to Monday across parts of the Pilbara and Kimberley. Daily rainfall totals of 50-100 mm are possible through to Monday, with isolated higher totals possible.

Minor flooding is possible with forecast rainfall. Flooding may affect road conditions, likely impacting travel and movement across the West Kimberley, and the Pilbara coastal areas, including Minilya-Exmouth Road, from the remainder of Sunday onwards.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

West Kimberley Rivers(A Flood Warning is current)

De Grey River

Pilbara Coastal Rivers

Fortescue River

Onslow Coast

Lyndon-Minilya Rivers

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