Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 8:51 am Friday, 13 May 2022.

Heavy rainfall developing over western and central Pilbara during Friday morning and afternoon with gusty storms.

Weather Situation: A cold front is moving up the west coast, with rich tropical moisture from ex-Tropical Cyclone Karim feeding in ahead of it. This front will continue to push northwards over the western and central Pilbara during Friday morning and afternoon.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible in the far northern Gascoyne and the western to central Pilbara, while the cold front is moving over the region during Friday morning and early afternoon. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 90 mm are possible, and isolated totals of 90 to 120 mm are possible in the far northwest, including Onslow. Conditions are expected to ease rapidly behind the front.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of 90km/h are possible with thunderstorms about the coastal fringe east of Mardie.

Locations which may be affected include Karratha, Paraburdoo, Tom Price, Barrow Island, Whim Creek and Wickham.

113km/h wind gust observed at Varanus Island at 7:10am

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.