DFES warns people near the west Kimberley coast to take care against bad weather.
There have been thunderstorms and unusually heavy rainfall for the season.
The alert extends from Beagle Bay to Kuri Bay, but not Derby.
You can read DFES’ advice here:
*Please note changes to the thunderstorm detail section.
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Time of issue: 11.00pm
Date of issue: 12 July 2014
Take action with more bad weather coming between Beagle Bay and Kuri Bay
If you live between Beagle Bay and Kuri Bay you should continue to take action and stay safe with more bad weather to come.
This includes people in the Kimberley northwest of a line from Beagle Bay to Derby to Kuri Bay and surrounding areas. This does not include people in Derby.
This is unusual weather for this time of the year, and could cause damage to homes and make travel dangerous.
WHAT TO DO:
• Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
• Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if there is lightning.
• If caught outside find safe shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
• If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
• If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
IF DRIVING:
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
• Slow down, turn your lights on and keep a safe distance from other drivers.
• Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen powerlines and loose debris.
• If it is raining heavily and you cannot see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.
• Take care in areas that have been flooded and Be careful driving on gravel roads as surfaces will be slippery and muddy, and vehicles could become bogged.
THUNDERSTORM DETAILS:
As at 10.16pm on Saturday 12 July 2014 the Bureau of Meteorology advises thunderstorms are producing very heavy rainfall near the western Kimberley coast.
Thunderstorms are likely to cause heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding for the remainder of Saturday and early Sunday morning.
Lombadina Airstrip has recorded 190mm of rain since 9am this morning, 102mm of which fell between 2pm and 4pm.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
• If your home has been badly damaged by storm call the SES on 132 500.
• In a life threatening situation call 000.
• For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213.
After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
