Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Central West, Central Wheat Belt and parts of Gascoyne, Goldfields, Lower West and Great Southern districts.

Issued at 5:00 pm Monday, 9 February 2026.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell to bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds to the Gascoyne, Central West and Central Wheat Belt districts from late Monday evening.

Weather Situation: Tropical Cyclone Mitchell is moving southwards along the Gascoyne coast and is expected to turn southeast and cross the Gascoyne coast Monday evening. It will weaken as it moves inland overnight and transitions into an extratropical low on Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall and damaging winds as it tracks inland.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Gascoyne, Central West and northern parts of the Central Wheat Belt from early Tuesday morning, especially on the southern and western sides of the low pressure system. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 25 and 50 mm are likely with localised falls to 80 mm possible. 24-hour rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely with localised totals to 120 mm possible.

DAMAGING WINDS GUSTS with peak gusts to 100 km/h are possible to the east of the low pressure system late Monday evening to Tuesday morning before easing. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 90 km/h are possible on the southern and western sides of the low pressure system from Tuesday afternoon.

People in the north of WA may experience this type of weather each year at this time but winds and rain may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous. This type of weather is unseasonable for people in the Central West and Central Wheat Belt at this time of year.

Separate Tropical Cyclone and Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Geraldton, Kalbarri, Merredin, Moora, Mount Magnet and Dalwallinu.

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 boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
* Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
* Assess your home, car and property for damage.
* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.