Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Pilbara and parts of North Interior districts.

Issued at 5:01 am Tuesday, 17 May 2022.

Heavy rainfall to develop further over parts of the Pilbara today.

Weather Situation: An upper trough will deepen a slow-moving surface trough over the Pilbara district today, resulting in the formation of a cloudband with embedded thunderstorms. The trough and associated cloudband are forecast to weaken on Wednesday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue developing over the Pilbara district this morning, extending further inland during the day to reach adjacent far western Interiors and the far northeastern Gascoyne. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 100 mm are likely, with isolated totals around 120 mm possible about the coastal fringe.

While heavy falls are not uncommon through this area, they are unusual at this time of year and may cause damage to property and make road conditions hazardous.

A Flood Watch is current for catchments in the Pilbara district. For more details, please visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings.

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

Varanus Island recorded 43 mm of rain in the one hour to 7:10pm Monday and 78.6 mm in the six hours to 10:53 pm Monday.

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.