Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:55 am WST on Tuesday 1 March 2022

Flood Watch Number: 5

FLOODING MAY DEVELOP DOWNSTREAM OF THE FITZROY RIVER, DE GREY RIVER AND THE SANDY DESERT.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Anika continues to track across the northwest Kimberley and is likely to redevelop off the west Kimberley coast late Tuesday. Once over open water it is likely to redevelop into a tropical cyclone as it moves off the west Kimberley coast and intensify during Wednesday.

In the 48 hours to 9:00 am Tuesday rainfall totals of 100 - 350 mm were recorded in many parts of North and West Kimberley coastal areas.

Daily rainfall totals of 50 -100 mm are possible during Tuesday and Wednesday in the lower Fitzroy River. As the system moves to the south west and crosses the coast the rainfall focus will move to the Sandy Desert and possibly the upper parts of the De Grey River. During Wednesday and Thursday widespread daily rainfall totals of 50 - 100 mm are expected in these areas with isolated totals to 200 mm also possible.

Heavy rainfall will result in significant river rises, and areas of flooding which will adversely affect road conditions. Some roads such as the Cape Leveque Rd may become impassable and communities may be isolated. There is a risk of interruption of the Great Northern Highway depending on rainfall amounts and ex-Tropical Cyclone Anika's movement.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Fitzroy River
De Grey River
Sandy Desert

Flooding may develop in the lower part of the Fitzroy River catchment on Monday or Tuesday. Flood risk is low upstream of Noonkanbah.

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 https://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