Flooding impacts continue for the Kimberley as ex-Tropical Cyclone slowly weakens and moves inland

10/01/2023

Issued: Friday, 6 January 2023

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie is tracking south-east and will leave the state on Saturday moving into the Northern Territory which will see rain and wind impacts easing thereafter.

Some locations in the Fitzroy River catchment have seen several months' worth of rainfall in just a few days resulting in isolated communities and widespread road closures. Flood impacts will continue across the Kimberley well into next week.

Although Fitzroy River levels at Fitzroy Crossing and upstream are slowly falling, significant flood risks persist for the region and waters will continue to rise downstream until early next week.

A major flood warning remains current for the Fitzroy River, with Willare expected to reach major flood level during Sunday and peak on Monday.

Moderate flooding also continues at Noonkanbah, while downstream at Looma there is still significant flooding occurring.

A flood warning for the West Kimberley District and a flood watch for the Sandy Desert, Tanami Desert and Western Desert are also current.

The Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds current for parts of the south-eastern Kimberley and parts of the Interior districts is expected to ease as the system exits the state on Saturday.

The Bureau will continue to monitor the situation and update warnings and forecasts as required.

All residents in these areas are encouraged to follow the direction of local authorities.

Communities are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecast and warnings via the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app and follow the advice of DFES (Department of Fire and Emergency Services) at Emergency WA. The Bureau also regularly posts severe weather updates to its social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.

ENDS...