Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:38 am WST on Thursday 21 January 2021

Flood Watch Number: 1

FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS THE WEST KIMBERLEY RIVERS, SANDY DESERT, DE GREY RIVER AND PILBARA COASTAL RIVERS FRIDAY EVENING

A tropical low, which is currently situated northwest of the Kimberley coast may develop into a Tropical Cyclone and approach the east Pilbara coast or west Kimberley coast late Friday and cross the coast on Saturday. Heavy rainfall associated with the tropical low may cause areas of flooding across the West Kimberley Rivers, Sandy Desert, De Grey River and Pilbara Coastal Rivers..

Depending on the movement of the tropical low, rainfall is expected to increase from Friday into Saturday in the West Kimberley, De Grey and Sandy Desert. Daily rainfall totals of 50 - 100 mm are likely on Friday, increasing to 100 - 200 mm on Saturday, with local higher falls possible.

Heavy rainfall will impact secondary roads and may cause remote communities to become isolated in the West Kimberley, De Grey, Pilbara Coastal Rivers and the Sandy Desert from Friday evening.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
West Kimberley Rivers

De Grey River

Pilbara Coastal Rivers

Sandy 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 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