Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Pilbara district.

Issued at 6:59 pm Friday, 9 January 2026.

Localised damaging wind gusts and periods of heavy rainfall persist over the inland Pilbara.

Weather Situation: Thunderstorms developing over the inland Pilbara in a hot and unstable airmass will be capable of producing localised damaging wind gusts. These thunderstorms are stalling and bringing bursts of heavy rainfall.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Nanutarra, Pannawonica and Millstream.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Kimberley district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

83 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT FLAT ROCKS IN THE TWO HOURS TO 5:30 PM.

A 94 km/h gust was record at Gudai-Darri Mine Airport at 5:15 pm.

A 113 km/h wind gust was recorded at Eliwana Airport at 5:14 pm.

A 119 km/h wind gust was recorded at Eliwana Airport at 3:18 pm

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 there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
* If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
* Slow down and turn your headlights on.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.