Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Kimberley and Pilbara Districts in Western Australia

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for heavy rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for immediate broadcast, classified under warning ID IDW21033. The warning is currently in effect for people in parts of the Pilbara and Kimberley districts in Western Australia.

Affected Areas

The warning covers specific regions within the Kimberley and Pilbara forecast districts. Locations that may be impacted by these severe conditions include Wallal Downs and Sandfire. The weather situation is driven by a moist, unstable airflow in the Kimberley region which has triggered thunderstorm activity.

What You Should Do

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises residents in the warning area to take the following precautions:

• Find Shelter: If outside, find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains, and streams.
• Stay Indoors: Close curtains and blinds, and stay away from windows.
• Electrical Safety: Unplug electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones if lightning is present.
• Flood Preparation: If flooding occurs, create sandbags using pillowcases filled with sand and place them around doorways.
• Water Safety: If boating, swimming, or surfing, leave the water immediately.
• Driving Safety: Do not drive into water of unknown depth or current. Slow down, turn on headlights, and watch for hazards like fallen power lines. If visibility is lost due to heavy rain, pull over and use hazard lights until conditions improve.

Expected Conditions

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours. The primary hazard identified is isolated heavy falls resulting from the moist, unstable airflow currently affecting north coastal Western Australia.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 8:32 pm AWST on Friday, 20 March 2026. The current alert is expected to remain active with the next update scheduled to be issued by 11:35 pm Friday. Residents are encouraged to monitor local media and the BOM website for further updates.