Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Flood Watch for Sturt Creek District, Sandy, Tanami and Western Desert catchments
Issued at 10:27 am WST on Sunday 22 September 2024

Flood Watch Number: 3

RIVER AND CREEK LEVEL RISES AND LOCALISED FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS THE FLOOD WATCH AREA

A broad trough of low pressure is deepening and will remain over the southern Kimberley and Northern Interior for the next few days.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are generally dry.

Unseasonal showers and thunderstorms over the weekend and during Monday and Tuesday may bring consecutive days of moderate rainfall over the Flood Watch area. Widespread rainfall totals of 40-60 mm, with isolated 100 mm are forecast on Sunday across the Flood Watch area.

During Monday and Tuesday, the heaviest rainfall is forecast to be across the Sturt Creek District, Tanami and Western Deserts, with widespread rainfall totals of 80-120 mm, with isolated 150 mm forecast on Monday. During Tuesday, widespread rainfall totals of 25-40 mm, with isolated 70 mm are forecast.

Significant river, creek, and stream level rises are likely with heavy rainfall, as well as overland inundation with areas of localised flooding possible across the Flood Watch area.

Many roads, including secondary highways may be affected. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Sturt Creek District

Tanami Desert

Western Desert

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.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