The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) are advising those in the State's northern regions to prepare for possible minor flooding expected over the coming days.
The possible flooding is expected for Gascoyne River, Salt Lakes District Rivers (to the north of Laverton) and Sandy Desert (to the south of Telfer) river catchments, as well towns and communities throughout the Pilbara, Midwest-Gascoyne and Goldfields-Midlands regions.
DFES advise while there is no immediate danger, those in aforementioned areas need to keep up to date in case the situation changes.
WHAT TO DO:
- 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 four 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 evacuate
- 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.
If driving:
- 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.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Roads have been closed including:
- Goldfields Highway between Between Wiluna and Meekatharra.
- Great Northern Highway between Meekatharra and Kumarina.
- Nanutarra Munjina Road between Manuwarra Red Dog Highway (Bingarn Road) and Hamersley Road.
- Marble Bar Road between Nullagine and Great Northern Highway (Near Newman).
Some roads are open with extreme caution advised due to water and debris over the road.
Check road conditions before travelling.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting Travel Map or by contacting your Local Government Authority.
FLOOD DETAILS:
The Bureau of Meteorology advises severe thunderstorms leading to heavy rainfall are expected during Friday.
Catchments across the Flood Watch area are becoming saturated from recent rainfall and will respond to further rainfall.
Localised flooding and disruption to transport routes are occurring in places after rainfall over the last week.
Showers and thunderstorms with areas of rain are forecast for Friday, before easing in the south during the weekend.
Widespread daily rainfall totals of 20-40mm are likely over parts of the Flood Watch area, with isolated totals up to 60mm possible.
Further river and creek level rises are likely across the Flood Watch area over the coming days, with localised flooding and transport disruptions possible.
Significant flooding is no longer expected in the De Grey River, Pilbara Coastal Rivers, Fortescue River, Onslow Coast, Ashburton River, Wooramel River, Murchison River, and Greenough River catchments. However, rainfall over the last few days and areas of flooding may adversely affect road conditions.
Catchments likely to be affected include:
- Gascoyne River
- Salt Lakes District Rivers (to the north of Laverton)
- Sandy Desert (to the south of Telfer)
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 bom.gov.au/wa/flood.
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.
Updates will be provided when the situation changes.
Perri Polson
Perri is an agriculture journalist with Farm Weekly. Born in regional Victoria, Perri developed a love of regional and rural news at a young age, and is now passionate about advocating for the agricultural industry. Her interests include science, agronomy, livestock and food production.
Perri is an agriculture journalist with Farm Weekly. Born in regional Victoria, Perri developed a love of regional and rural news at a young age, and is now passionate about advocating for the agricultural industry. Her interests include science, agronomy, livestock and food production.
