Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:37 am AWST on Wednesday 18 February 2026

Flood Watch Number: 3

HEAVY RAIN AND LOCALISED FLOODING EXPECTED IN THE WEST KIMBERLEY, SANDY DESERT AND DE GREY CATCHMENT OVER COMING DAYS

Heavy rainfall and localised flooding are expected over the coming days in the West Kimberley, Sandy Desert and De Grey catchment, with the highest rainfall totals near the coast and adjacent inland areas including Broome and Derby. Further inland, moderate rainfall is likely to adversely affect areas where flood impacts are already occurring.

A weak tropical low 25U is located near the coast in the far southwest Kimberley. 25U is likely to remain over land and move towards the northern Pilbara on Thursday and Friday.

Rainfall totals of 15 to 50 mm have been recorded mainly over the West Kimberley and Sandy Desert in the 24 hours to 9:00 am Wednesday, with isolated totals of up to 140 mm in the coastal fringe.

Rainfall totals of up to 45 mm are forecast for the remainder of Wednesday across the West Kimberley and Sandy Desert with the highest totals along the coastal fringe. Very localised areas of heavier rainfall around 100-150 mm are possible with thunderstorms.

Rainfall totals over the 48 hours to 9:00 am Friday for the coastal areas including Broome and Derby are likely to be in the range of 100 to 160 mm, and further inland rainfall totals are likely to be in the range 80 to 100 mm. Higher isolated rainfall totals are possible due to thunderstorm activity.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are wet due to recent rainfall, with elevated river levels and flood impacts occurring in some catchments.

Forecast rainfall in the affected catchments is expected to result in river rises, areas of flooding and adversely impact road conditions. Some roads may become impassable and communities linked by roads may become isolated.

The situation will be monitored closely and Flood Warnings will be issued as required.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
De Grey River

West Kimberley Rivers

Sandy Desert

A Minor Flood Warning is current for the Fitzroy River.

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood
Safety Advice:

Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/.

For emergency assistance call SES

Rainfall and River Conditions Map