Saturday, March 17th, 2012
West Kimberley: Flood warning
People in West Kimberley catchments are advised to prepare for minor flooding.
This includes the Lennard River, Fitzroy River and Isdell River catchments and Cape Leveque.
Time of issue: 6.45pm
Date of issue: 17 March 2012
Continue to prepare for flooding in Cape Leveque,Lennard River, Fitzroy River and Isdell River in the Kimberley
People in the west Kimberley region should continue to prepare for possible minor flooding expected along the coast in the next 24 hours.
There is no immediate danger but you need to keep up to date in case the situation changes.
WHAT TO DO:
FESA’s State Emergency Service (SES) and Volunteer Emergency Services (VES) advises you to:
• Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to relocate.
• Prepare to relocate equipment and livestock early so they are not caught in floodwaters.
• Prepare an emergency kit including enough canned food and water to last for four days.
• Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters, they are dangerous.
• If you are a traveller do not park or camp adjacent to rivers.
If driving:
• Floodways and river levels may rise rapidly so be careful at crossings.
• Obey road closure signs and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
• Take care on gravel and unsealed roads as they may be slippery and muddy, and you could get bogged.
ROAD CLOSURES:
The Great Northern Highway between Port Hedland and Broome is closed.
For further details call Main Roads WA on 138 138.
FLOOD DETAILS:
As at 3.56pm the Bureau of Meteorology advises
Isolated rainfall totals of around 25mm were reported in the West Kimberley catchments since 9am to 3pm today, Saturday.
Heavy rainfall experienced in the catchments during last four days will continue to cause flooding in the middle and lower reaches of the catchments as flood water will continue to move downstream.
Rainfall totals of around 25mm are expected over the catchments for the next 24 hours with isolated rainfall possible near the West Kimberley coast.
Significant stream rises are expected with the potential for areas of flooding along the rivers in the West Kimberley Coastal catchments.
For the latest flood information visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood or call 1300 659 213.
Current river levels are available from Department of Water at www.water.wa.gov.au.
WHAT SES/VES VOLUNTEERS ARE DOING:
SES and VES are monitoring the situation.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
• For SES assistance call 132 500
• In a life threatening situation call 000
• For the latest flood information call 1300 659 213 or visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood.
• For information about road conditions and closures contact the local shire or Main Roads WA on 138 138.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Call 1300 657 209, visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au or listen to news bulletins.
ENDS
The next update will be issued when the situation changes.
Media Contact: Media and Public Affairs on 9225 5955.
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