Flood Watch Issued for Fitzroy and Kimberley Rivers in Western Australia

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDW39605) for the Fitzroy and Kimberley regions. This is the first flood watch issued for this event, providing early advice of possible flooding within specified catchments.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the following catchments in Western Australia:

• Fitzroy River (Note: A Minor Flood Warning is already current for the lower catchment)
• North Kimberley Rivers
• East Kimberley Rivers

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is extremely dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead of time to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low currently situated over the Northern Territory is forecast to drift slowly toward the Kimberley region over the coming days. This system is expected to deliver widespread rainfall, including locally heavy falls, across the northern and eastern Kimberley starting Friday.

Because catchments in the area are already wet, they are likely to respond quickly to the additional precipitation. Expected impacts include:

• Rising river and creek levels.
• Prolonged overland flooding and ponding.
• Disruptions to road access.
• Potential isolation of some communities and homesteads.

Timeline

The Flood Watch was issued at 1:25 pm AWST on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The weather system and associated rainfall are expected to impact the region from Friday, March 13, onwards. The Bureau of Meteorology plans to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AWST on Thursday, March 12, 2026.