Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Pilbara, Gascoyne and Central West districts.

Issued at 10:15 am Thursday, 12 May 2022.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds developing in the the Central West and Gascoyne today, extending over the western Pilbara tonight.

Weather Situation: A trough extending from ex-Tropical Cyclone Karim lies near Geraldton late this morning, and is drawing down rich tropical moisture ahead of it. A low pressure system embedded in the trough is expected to come ashore near Kalbarri this afternoon, as a cold front pushes up from the south. This system will push northwards through western parts of the Gascoyne and Pilbara districts overnight and during Friday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely to develop from early afternoon today near the coast in the Central West and western Gascoyne districts. Heavy rain on the front will gradually extend further north and east into the evening, reaching the western Pilbara tonight. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 90 mm are possible, and isolated totals of 100 to 150 mm are possible in the northwest, including Exmouth and Onslow. Conditions are expected to ease rapidly behind the front.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts to around 90 kilometres per hour are possible over the western Gascoyne District and northern parts of the Central West District from this afternoon and evening, particularly with thunderstorms. This threat decreases overnight.

Locations which may be affected include Carnarvon, Denham, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Onslow, Overlander Roadhouse, Wooramel Roadhouse and Yalgoo.

Severe weather is no longer currently occurring in the South West district. However, a separate severe weather warning has been issued for southern parts of the state for damaging winds developing during Friday. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/

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.