Australia: Severe weather forecast over parts of central and southeastern Western Australia through at least Jan. 26 /update 2

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central and southeastern Western Australia through at least Jan. 26. A tropical low tracking through southeastern Pilbara District late Jan. 24 is forecast to continue moving south-southeastward across the affected areas over the coming days, bringing heavy rainfall to the region. As of Jan. 23, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall across parts of Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields, Eucla, and South Interior districts. Locations that may be affected include Newman, Forrest, Leinster, Rawlinna, Three Rivers, and Wiluna.

Six-hourly rainfall totals of 6-10 cm (2.4-3.9 inches) are forecast over parts of southern Pilbara, northeastern Gascoyne, and northern Golfields districts overnight Jan. 24-25 and 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 inches) over parts of southern Goldfields, Southern Interior and Eucla districts Jan. 25. Severe downpours could trigger flash flooding in affected areas. Flood watches and warnings are in place for several river catchments across WA. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding in parts of Pilbara District as of Jan. 24. Several roads have been closed due to flooding in areas around Newman, including the road between Newman and Marble Bar. Some remote communities, including Jigalong and Parnngurr, have been isolated due to the flooding.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render further bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.