Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Pilbara and Gascoyne districts.

Issued at 12:35 pm Thursday, 31 March 2022.

Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts are expected to develop across the southwest Pilbara and western Gascoyne districts today.

Weather Situation: At 10am WST, a tropical low was located around 370km NW of Exmouth and gradually moving towards the southeast. The low is expected to approach the west Pilbara coast this evening and continue to track southwards. It will then move parallel to the Gascoyne coast in to Friday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the western Pilbara, extending in to the western Gascoyne this afternoon. Six hourly totals between 50-90mm are possible.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS peaking around 100 km/h are possible over the western Pilbara this afternoon, extending in to the western Gascoyne later this evening as the system progresses southwards.

A flood watch is current for parts of the Pilbara and Gascoyne coast. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for further details.

Locations which may be affected include Carnarvon, Denham, Exmouth, Onslow, Overlander Roadhouse and Wooramel Roadhouse.

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.