Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 12:21 pm WST on Tuesday 26 January 2021

Flood Watch Number: 1

FLOODING TO DEVELOP THROUGHOUT THE KIMBERLEY

A tropical low (12U) is forecast to develop near Kununurra by Thursday. It could bring heavy rainfall to eastern, northern and western Kimberley this week as it moves slowly across the northern Kimberley.

Areas of heaviest rainfall are forecast to be close to the tropical low. Rainfall totals listed are forecast totals for each day.

During Tuesday and Wednesday rainfall is forecast to be 50-100 mm with isolated falls to 200 mm from and including Kununurra to Kalumburu. Inland towards Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing to Walcott Inlet, falls are expected to be 20-50 mm with isolated falls to 80 mm.

During Wednesday, Thursday and Friday rainfall will shift west and is forecast to be 50-100 mm with isolated falls to 250 mm from and including Kununurra to Derby. Inland towards Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing to Walcott Inlet falls are expected to be 20-50 mm with isolated falls to 80 mm.

The passage of this tropical low is expected to bring large rainfall totals. It is possible some localities will receive up to 400 mm with the passage of this tropical low.

Heavy rainfall is expected to cause significant flooding throughout the Kimberley region, impacts are likely to be typical of those experienced after a strong monsoonal burst. Secondary roads are likely to be disrupted and some communities and localities are likely to become isolated by road.

Dangerous flood waters may develop rapidly.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
East Kimberley Rivers

North Kimberley Rivers

West Kimberley Rivers

Fitzroy River

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 www.dfes.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