25/06/2023
Just a little bit of rain.
💧 Prepare for flooding in parts of the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields-Midlands, Midwest-Gascoyne 💧
Update time: 11:48 AM, 26/06/23.
There is uncertainty about rainfall levels over the coming days. The Fitzroy River and other major rivers in the north are unlikely to reach minor flood levels, but there will be an increase in river flows from this rain. Please be prepared for roads to be impacted and possible isolation.
People in the Pilbara, Interior and Kimberley regions should prepare for possible flooding expected from early next week. This includes people in the North Kimberley Rivers, West Kimberley Rivers, Fitzroy River, Warburton District Rivers, Sturt Creek District, Tanami Desert, Western Desert and Sandy Desert.
There is no immediate danger but you need to keep up to date in case the situation changes.
❗ WHAT TO DO: ❗
- People travelling through the central and eastern Kimberley could become isolated for several days due to road closures and rising river levels.
- If you are camping or travelling and intend to stay in the area, you must be prepared to isolate for at least 5 days.
- Prepare to relocate equipment and livestock early so they are not caught in floodwaters.
- Prepare an emergency kit including enough canned food and water to last for five days, as well as clothing, important documents and medication.
- Fill your vehicle's fuel tank.
- Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to relocate to higher ground.
- Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters, as they are dangerous.
- Stay out of rivers, this includes no swimming or kayaking.
- Do not park or camp adjacent to rivers. Rivers and creek beds can rise quickly, putting campers at risk.
IF DRIVING:
- Do not attempt to cross flooded creeks and floodways.
- Be careful at crossings and floodways as river levels may rise rapidly.
- Obey road closure signs and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
- Take care on gravel and unsealed roads as they may be slippery and muddy, and you could get bogged.
- Carry extra food and water when travelling in case of long delays at crossings.
ℹ For more information visit emergency.wa.gov.au ℹ
🚧 ROAD CLOSURES: 🚧
- The Gibb River Road will be closed from Tuesday 27 June 2023 and access over the Fitzroy River is likely to be reduced or closed from Wednesday.
- The two-lane crossing over Fitzroy River is likely to close on Wednesday and the single-lane causeway will only be open during daylights hours.
- The single-lane causeway may also close, depending on river flows.
- Areas of Great Northern Highway may also be closed for multiple days.
- More than 1 metre of flooding in the Fitzroy catchment could force the closure of the low-level crossing. 3 metres of flooding could close the single lane causeway that is in place while the Fitzroy River bridge is being rebuilt.
Unseasonal rainfall is expected to impact the Gibb River Road early this week. Gibb River Road (and adjoining roads) may become impassable in some sections and close for several days, isolating travellers from major towns and centres.
As a precaution, people should reconsider travelling on the Gibb River Road from tomorrow, Monday 26 June, or prepare for isolation for up to 5 days. There is still uncertainty around which exact areas the rain will impact most, but the Bureau expects the weather will be widespread around the central and eastern Kimberley.
Keep up to date via Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting the Travel Map. Road information may also be available from your Local Government Authority.
💧 FLOOD DETAILS: 💧
As at 26/06/2023 10:51:00 the Bureau of Meteorology advises
an unseasonable rain band is developing over northern WA from today, peaking on Tuesday before easing during Wednesday.
However, the rain band will redevelop during Thursday, peak again on Friday before easing and clearing by Sunday.
Showers and increasing rain areas are forecast across parts of the Pilbara and Sandy Desert on Monday, and then moving into the central Kimberley from Tuesday.
Catchments remain dry ahead of the expected rainfall.
Widespread daily rainfall totals on Monday and Tuesday are likely in the order of 30-50 mm in the middle of the band, with isolated higher rainfall totals possible. Rainfall is likely to ease in the flood watch area on Wednesday.
River and creek level rises and localised flooding are possible from late Tuesday; however river levels are expected to remain below the minor flood levels.
Localised flooding may affect secondary road conditions which is likely to impact travel and movement initially across the northern Pilbara and the Sandy Desert, then spread further northwards into the Kimberley from late Tuesday into Wednesday.
- Current river levels are available from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
- For the latest flood information visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood or call 1300 659 213.
🚨 WHAT EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE DOING:🚨
- DFES is monitoring the situation.
- DFES is working closely with Main Roads, Bureau of Meteorology, DBCA Parks and Wildlife, Local Government, Pastoralists and local communities to help prepare for possible flooding.
- An Incident Management Team will arrive in Broome Wednesday 28 June 2023.
- DFES have aircraft on standby if we need to resupply any communities that become cut-off from floodwaters.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
- For SES assistance call 132 500.
- In a life threatening situation call 000.
- For the latest flood information call 1300 659 210 or visit the Bureau of Meteorology.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter, Facebook, listen to ABC Local Radio, 6PR, or news bulletins. During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.
Updates will be provided when the situation changes.
ℹ For more information visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au
