Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:02 am Friday, 1 April 2022.

Heavy rainfall and localised damaging wind gusts set to continue over western parts of the state.

Weather Situation: At 4am WST, a low was located around 150 kilometres west-northwest of Carnarvon and is forecast to continue moving towards the south. The low is expected to remain offshore for the remainder of the day and through Saturday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue over the western Pilbara and Gascoyne. It is then expected to extend into the far northwest corner of the Central West later this morning and afternoon. Six hourly totals between 50 to 90mm are possible.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible with thunderstorms over areas between Onslow and Billabong Roadhouse.

A flood watch is current for parts of the Pilbara and Gascoyne coast. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/ for further details.

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

Significant wind and rainfall observations to 4am WST Friday include:

- A 95 km/h wind gust was reported at Varanus Island at 12:04pm WST

- An 87 km/h wind gust was reported at Barrow Island at 12:39pm WST

- Learmonth 84.4mm since 9am WST Thursday morning

- Minilya Bridge 70mm since 9am WST Thursday morning

- Carnarvon 60mm since 9am WST Thursday morning

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.