Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:54 am WST on Saturday 29 January 2022 Flood Watch Number: 2

FLOODING IS POSSIBLE IN THE KIMBERLEY AND DESERT CATCHMENTS

A monsoon trough located over the Kimberley is expected to become more active this weekend to produce scattered heavy rainfall in the North Kimberley. A Tropical Low is forecast to enter the southeast Kimberley on Sunday and moves westwards into early next week bringing widespread rainfall.

In the 24 hours to 9:00 am Saturday rainfall totals between 30-70 mm were recorded in the Kimberley catchments.

Rainfall totals forecast for the remainder of Saturday will range 10-20 mm with isolated totals up to 60 mm in the West Kimberley and Fitzroy River catchments.

Rainfall totals of 50-100 mm with isolated totals up to 150 mm are expected on
Sunday across the Kimberley and northern Desert catchments.

Flooding in low lying areas and river rises are expected. Many roads, and possibly main highways, may be affected. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

East Kimberley Rivers

North Kimberley Rivers

West Kimberley Rivers

Fitzroy River

Warburton District Rivers

Sturt Creek District

Western Desert

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 https://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