Goldfields, Midwest and Kimberley flash-flooding warnings issued as weather systems set to hit across State

Multiple severe weather warnings have been issued across WA amid intense rainfall and dangerous flash flooding that has prompted the closure of several major highways.

The Bureau of Meteorology has urged residents across the Goldfields and Midwest-Gascoyne — particularly those in Balladonia, Cocklebiddy, Eyre, Laverton, Rawlinna and Zanthus — to prepare for conditions that are “not typical weather for southeastern Western Australia”.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has advised residents in parts of the Kimberley to “take action now” ahead of potential flash flooding, warning rivers are at risk of overflowing.

On Friday residents were urged to start preparing for severe weather as a cold front was set to stall over the Goldfields and Midwest-Gascoyne region on Saturday, bringing heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms.

That rainfall forced the closure of Goldfields Highway between Wiluna and Meekatharra, and between Menzies and Leonora due to flooding.

The flooding also closed Leonora-Laverton Road between Laverton and Leonora.

Great Northern Highway from Meekatharra to Kumarina is open, but Main Roads WA is warning road users to “exercise extreme caution” due to flooding.

On Saturday, the BOM said that front was likely to “remain in the area for the next few days” and produce heavy rainfall over the weekend and into Monday.

The eastern Goldfields and Eucla will likely see 50-90mm of rain in the next 24 hours, but that could get as high as 150mm should the storm front consistently lash the area with rain.

“Locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also possible with embedded thunderstorm activity in the rain band,” the BOM said.

“Heavy rainfall is likely to persist with this system during Sunday and into Monday as the weather pattern is very slow moving.”

Should it develop into dangerous thunderstorms, a severe thunderstorm warning will be issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

DFES is continuing to monitor the situation as they urge residents to brace for extreme weather.

Anyone in the upper and lower Ord River area in the Ord River catchment, in the Kimberley, should also take action now as moderate flooding is expected over the coming days.

People in Fitzroy Crossing, Warmun, Halls Creek, Mount Barnett and the Sturt Creek District in the East Kimberley have also been issued a flood warning.

At 9am on Saturday BOM recorded around 140mm of rain had hit parts of the Kimberley in 24 hours — with more heavy rainfall expected over the coming days.

“Widespread daily rainfall totals between 30 - 90 mm, with isolated totals up to 100 - 170 mm forecast for the remainder of Saturday, during Sunday and Monday,” in the impacted area, BOM advises.

“There may be flooding over Great Northern Highway between Wyndham and Halls Creek. Travellers should take care while driving as water levels can change quickly. Please monitor your surroundings and do not drive through flood waters.”

People in parts of the Kimberley should ensure an emergency kit is fully stocked in case anyone becomes isolated or needs to remain sheltered inside their homes.

“Your emergency kit should include enough canned food and water to last for four days, as well as clothing, important documents such as identification and insurance papers, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio to listen to warnings.”

“Move equipment, cars, livestock and pets so they do not get caught in floodwaters.”

Nobody should move, or drive, through floodwaters as they could prove deadly.

If anyone is visiting the impacted Kimberley region they are urged to leave now.

“Floodways and river levels may rise rapidly, damaging roads and bridges and making driving dangerous.”

“If your car stalls in rising water, abandon it immediately and seek shelter above floodwater.”

In the Goldfields, Eucla and South Interior districts, people are urged to brace for strong weather after wind gusts up to 50km/h were recorded in Kalgoorlie about 7.40am. By midday, Laverton had recorded wind gusts exceeding 40km/h.

People should shelter in their homes or away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.

Motorists should stay alert and not drive into water of unknown depth and current.

Keep up to date online at Emergency WA or on your local ABC radio channel.

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