Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:06 am Thursday, 3 March 2022.

EX-TROPICAL CYCLONE ANIKA BRINGS HEAVY RAIN AND DAMAGING WINDS TO NORTHERN PARTS OF WA.

Weather Situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Anika crossed the coast near Wallal last night and weakened below cyclone intensity. At 8 am WST today, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Anika was located near 20.9S 121.7E, about 100 kilometres to the northwest of Telfer in the eastern Pilbara. It is forecast to move southeast and enter the North Interior this afternoon, before weakening over the WA interior on Friday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which is expected to lead to flash flooding is currently occurring near the system centre, southwest Kimberley, in the eastern Pilbara and western parts of the Interior. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 100mm are likely today. 24-hour rainfall totals of up to 200 mm are possible, but becoming less likely as the low moves further inland.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are likely near the system centre and with thunderstorms and could cause DAMAGE TO HOMES AND PROPERTY over the eastern Pilbara, far southwest Kimberley and Interior as the system moves towards the southeast.

Flood watches and warnings are current for the area. See http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Bidyadanga, Parnngurr and Telfer.

Warrawagine has recorded 161.8 mm in the 24 hours till 9 am today.

Mandora has recorded 149.8 mm in the 24 hrs till 9 am today.

Ripon Hills Road has recorded 131.2 mm in the 24 hours till 9 am today.

Nita Downs has recorded 108 mm in the 24 hours till 9 am today.

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 boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
* Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
* Assess your home, car and property for damage.
* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.