Australia: Severe weather forecast over parts of the northern interior of Western Australia through at least Jan. 23

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the northern interior of Western Australia through at least Jan. 23. A tropical low located in the north of the North Interior forecast district Jan. 22 is forecast to move southwestward across the affected area through Jan. 23. As of Jan. 22, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy and locally intense rainfall across parts of Kimberley, North Interior, and Pilbara forecast districts. Locations that may be affected include Parnngurr and Telfer.

Six-hourly rainfall totals of 6-10 cm (2.4-3.9 inches) are forecast over parts of southern Kimberley and Northern Interior forecast districts Jan. 22 and spreading eastward to Pilbara Forecast District Jan. 23, with localized heavier downpours of 10-16 cm (3.9-6.3 inches) and accompanying thunderstorms possible through late Jan. 22. Severe downpours could trigger life-threatening flash flooding in affected areas. A flood watch has been issued across several river catchments in northern WA and flood warnings have been issued for the Fitzroy and Ord rivers. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

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 further 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. Further electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.