Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:52 am Monday, 22 January 2024.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL POSSIBLE BETWEEN THE SOUTHERN KIMBERLEY AND EASTERN PILBARA.

Weather Situation: A tropical low located in the southeast Kimberley is forecast to move west to southwest today, reaching the Pilbara later on Tuesday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely over the southern Kimberley and parts of the North Interior districts during Monday, spreading to the eastern parts of the Pilbara from Tuesday afternoon. Scattered six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 100 mm are likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with thunderstorms during Monday with six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 160 mm, becoming less likely from Monday night.

Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are current across northern WA catchments. For details, please see www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Fitzroy Crossing, Parnngurr and Telfer.

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.