WA weather: Bureau of Meteorology issues flood watch for Kimberley and Pilbara as thunderstorms forecast

Residents in parts of WA are being warned about possible flooding in the coming days.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood watch for areas including Sturt Creek District, Sandy Tanami and Western Desert catchments.

The warning was issued as unseasonal thunderstorms and rain are forecast to hit WA over the weekend and into Monday.

“Widespread rainfall totals of 20-30 mm on Saturday, 30-60 mm on Sunday and 30-80 mm on Monday are forecast with isolated daily falls in excess of 100 mm for Sunday and Monday,” The Bureau warned:

There is no immediate danger, but residents have been urged to keep up to date on the situation.

Emergency WA has issued advice on what to do during these circumstances.

• Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters as they are dangerous.
• Prepare to move cars, equipment, livestock and pets early so they are not caught in floodwaters.
• Prepare an emergency kit including enough canned food and water to last for five to seven days, as well as clothing, important documents such as identification and insurance papers, medication, cash and an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries to listen to warnings.
• Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank.
• Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to leave.
• Do not park or camp adjacent to rivers.

Emergency WA has also reminded the public to obey road closures, not to drive through water, to take extra time and be wary of crossings and floodways as water levels can rise rapidly.

To keep up to date on the flood watch service, visit their website here.

Strong wind warnings have also been issued for the Gascoyne and Geraldton coasts.