Initial Flood Warning For The Sandy Desert
15 FEBRUARY 2025 06:13 WST
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Western Australia
Initial Flood Warning For The Sandy Desert
Issued at 06:13 AM WST on Saturday 15 February 2025
Flood Warning Number: 1
Heavy rainfall has been observed in parts of the Sandy Desert since Wednesday morning, heaviest about the coast and adjacent to the De Grey, Fortescue and Ashburton catchments. Further moderate to locally heavy rain is forecast for the remainder of the weekend, associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Zelia.
Rapid river level rises and areas of widespread flooding are expected to develop across parts of the Sandy Desert through the weekend.
A Flood Watch is current for the Fortescue River, Onslow Coast, Ashburton River, Gascoyne River and parts of the Sandy Desert catchment.
A Tropical Cyclone Advice is current for ex-Tropical Cyclone Zelia.
Sandy Desert:
Rapid river level rises and areas of flooding may adversely affect road conditions and some communities may become isolated across parts of the Sandy Desert catchment. Significant disruption of transportation network and extensive road closures are possible.
Flood Safety Advice:
DFES advises people and communities to be aware that flooding is possible and be prepared to relocate equipment and livestock. Watch water levels. Travellers need to be aware that road conditions may be adversely affected and travel plans may need to be reconsidered. Do not drive into water of unknown depth and velocity.}
Community information is available from DFES at www.dfes.wa.gov.au
Current river levels are available from Department of Water and Environmental Regulation at www.water.wa.gov.au/maps-and-data/monitoring/river-level-monitoring
Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 12:00 pm WST on Sunday 16 February 2025.
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/wa/forecasts.
