Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:33 am WST on Wednesday 18 May 2022 Flood Watch Number: 4

FURTHER FLOODING POSSIBLE IN THE PILBARA COASTAL RIVERS, FORTESCUE RIVER, ONSLOW COAST, ASHBURTON RIVER, DE GREY RIVER AND SANDY DESERT CATCHMENTS

A slow moving trough moves eastwards across the Pilbara with and associated rain band.

In the 24 hours to 9:00 am Wednesday, rainfall totals up to 88 mm have been recorded over the flood watch area.

The flood watch area catchments are wetting up due to recent rainfall.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue over the Pilbara, far northeastern Gascoyne and adjacent western Interiors, easing later Wednesday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely for the Pilbara and further inland, with isolated totals up to 100 mm possible about the coastal fringe.

While heavy falls are not uncommon through this area, they are unusual at this time of year.

Significant flooding of low lying areas and river rises are expected to continue for next couple of days. Some secondary roads are now impassable and primary routes are affected as well in places. Many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways, may be further affected. Some communities and homesteads may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling.

Please raise awareness among travellers who may be expecting dry conditions at this time of the year.

A severe weather warning is current for parts of Pilbara and Interior districts.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

De Grey River

Pilbara Coastal Rivers

Fortescue River

Onslow Coast

Ashburton River

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 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