Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 1:18 pm WST on Wednesday 12 February 2025

Flood Watch Number: 5

FLOODING POSSIBLE FOR THE PILBARA COASTAL RIVERS, ONSLOW COAST, FORTESCUE RIVER, ASHBURTON RIVER AND PARTS OF SANDY DESERT FROM THURSDAY

A broad low pressure trough over the central Pilbara extends to Tropical Cyclone Zelia offshore from the west Kimberley coast. Tropical Cyclone Zelia is forecast to move to the southwest throughout today. The system is then forecast to move further south towards the Pilbara coast on Thursday, 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 heavy to intense rainfall is forecast for the Flood Watch area from Wednesday and into the weekend. Areas of heavy rainfall will be dependent of the track of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

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:

Pilbara Coastal Rivers

Fortescue River

Onslow Coast

Ashburton River

Sandy Desert

A Flood Warning is current for the De Grey River Catchment.

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