Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:57 am WST on Monday 30 May 2022

Flood Watch Number: 4

FLOODING MAY DEVELOP ALONG PARTS OF THE PILBARA COAST AND SANDY DESERT FROM LATE MONDAY

Heavy rainfall is expected as a cloud band, surface trough, and low offshore move northeastwards across the Pilbara coast and onto the western Kimberley Coast.

Catchments in the Pilbara Coast and western areas of Sandy Desert are gradually becoming wet from recent rainfall, particularly from heavy over the weekend.

Heavy rainfall is expected in northwestern parts of the Pilbara and far southwest of Kimberley during today. Rainfall rates are expected to gradually ease from the west of the warning area this evening and overnight.

6 hourly forecast rainfall totals are expected to be 40-80 mm, reaching 80-120 mm near the coast for Monday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall will continue during Tuesday, with further daily totals of 20mm to 80mm, and isolated totals of 100mm are possible.

A severe weather warning is current for heavy rainfall for parts of the Pilbara and far southwest of the Kimberley http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/index.shtml?ref=hdr

Flooding of low lying areas and river level rises are expected to extend further northeast wards. Many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways, are likely to be affected. Some communities may become isolated and some roads may become impassable with localised flooding from isolated heavy rainfall. Check road conditions before travelling.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
West Kimberley Rivers

De Grey River

Pilbara Coastal Rivers

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