Australia: Flooding impacting parts of northern Western Australia Jan. 4 /update 1

Event

Flooding is impacting several parts of northern Western Australia as of Jan. 4. The area between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek is reportedly worst-affected. The Western Australia state government has declared an emergency situation. Residents in several towns, including Fitzroy Crossing, had to evacuate. Officials have established an evacuation center at Fitzroy Crossing Recreation Centre. Authorities have warned that communities across the affected area will likely be isolated for more than seven days. There have been no reports of casualties.

Several roads in the region have been affected, including Gibb River Road and Great Northern Highway. The Fitzroy Crossing Bridge is damaged. For a complete list of impacted routes, please click here.

As of Jan. 4, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe weather warning for intense rainfall and damaging winds for parts of Kimberley and North Interior districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 9-15 cm (3.5-6 inches) are likely west of Derby, and 12-18 cm (5-7 inches) are likely in the western and southern sectors of Kimberley District, including the Dampier Peninsula and Broome area. The severe weather is forecast to ease Jan. 6, though southern Kimberley, including Fitzroy Crossing, may experience another brief period of moderate to heavy rainfall earlier the same day. Gusty thunderstorms are also possible over the remainder of the Kimberley over the coming days. A major flood warning is in place for the Fitzroy River; major flooding is likely downstream at Noonkanbah from early Jan. 4. The flooding will probably extend downstream to Willare, with further rises likely later in the week. A flood warning is also in place for the west Kimberley District. A flood watch is in effect for the Sandy Desert; flooding is possible in the northern parts from Jan. 4. Further flooding is likely over the coming days, and officials could close additional road routes. Further evacuations may also occur.

Advice

Heed the advisories of local officials. Plan for road travel delays. Do not drive through flooded routes. Monitor emergency broadcast channels and local media.