Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:58 am WST on Thursday 28 January 2021 Flood Watch Number: 3

FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS THE EAST KIMBERLEY RIVERS, SANDY DESERT AND FITZROY RIVER

A developing tropical low lies over the northern Kimberley about 100km west of Wyndham, and is expected to move slowly towards the west-southwest during Thursday and Friday. The low is expected to produce heavy over the Kimberley for the next couple of days.

Areas of heaviest rainfall are forecast to be close to the tropical low.

During Thursday into Friday 24 hour rainfall is forecast to be 50 - 100 mm with isolated falls to 170 mm in the North and West Kimberley Rivers from Kalumburu to Broome and parts of the northern area of the Fitzroy River. Further rainfall of 30 - 50 mm with isolated falls of 75 mm is expected in the Fitzroy River, parts of the North Kimberley Rivers and Sandy Desert.

The passage of this tropical low is expected to bring large rainfall totals. It is possible some localities will receive up to 400 mm with the passage of this tropical low.

Heavy rainfall is expected to cause significant flooding throughout the Kimberley region, impacts are likely to be typical of those experienced after a strong monsoonal burst. Secondary roads are likely to be disrupted and some communities and localities are likely to become isolated by road.

Dangerous flood waters may develop rapidly.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

East Kimberley Rivers

Fitzroy River

Sandy Desert

Flood Warnings are current for the following catchments: North Kimberley Rivers and West Kimberley 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.dfes.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