By Abe Maddison
Two Western Australian regions are bracing for floods, with heavy rain forecast for the start of the week and communities warned to stock up on essentials in case they become isolated.
Areas of the Midwest Gascoyne and Pilbara should prepare for flooding, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said in an alert issued on Sunday.
“There is no immediate danger but you need to keep up to date in case the situation changes,” the department said.
Heavy rain has damaged Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road.Credit: Main Roads WA
Nationally, most capitals are shivering through a cold Sunday, with Sydney (17 degrees), Melbourne (14 degrees), Canberra (12 degrees), Adelaide (16 degrees), and Hobart (11 degrees) all experiencing cooler weather, ahead of colder overnight temperatures.
Cold and frosty mornings for much of eastern Australia this week. In some cases, temperatures could be eight degrees below the average for this time of year.
The Bureau of Meteorology said possible moderate to heavy rainfall was developing about the far west Pilbara and adjacent northwest Gascoyne.
Moderate to heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms are forecast for the next few days over the western Pilbara and northwest Gascoyne.
Daily rainfall totals of 30-80 millimetres are possible across the flood watch areas, with higher isolated daily totals of 100 millimetres possible across the western Pilbara and north-west Gascoyne. The peak rain day is likely to be on Monday.
Flooding of low-lying areas and river rises are expected and many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways, may be affected.
Some communities and homesteads may become isolated and some roads may be closed.
Locals in the affected areas should prepare to move cars, equipment, livestock and pets early so they are not caught in floodwaters.
“Prepare an emergency kit including enough canned food and water to last for five to seven days, as well as clothing, important documents such as identification and insurance papers, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio to listen to warnings,” DFES advised.
AAP