Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Kimberley, Pilbara, North Interior and South Interior districts.

Issued at 2:28 pm Wednesday, 26 January 2022.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE NORTH OF THE STATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING

Weather Situation: The monsoon is activating over the Kimberley. A broad trough is extending from the northern Gascoyne to the North Interior.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara districts. Locations which may be affected include Broome, Bidyadanga, Sandfire and Wallal Downs.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Pilbara, North Interior and South Interior districts. Locations which may be affected include Newman, Jigalong, Marble Bar, Nullagine, Parnngurr and Telfer.

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 there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
* If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
* Slow down and turn your headlights on.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.