Tropical low predicted to bring Kimberley floods

People in the East, North and West Kimberley as well as the Fitzroy River catchments have been warned to prepare for possible moderate flooding expected from tomorrow.

Parts of the Gibb River Road have closed after the Bureau of Meteorology advised heavy rainfall and localised flooding is expected from Thursday, due to a tropical low moving across from the Northern Territory.

Some roads may become impassible and communities linked by roads may become isolated.

There is no immediate danger but residents are encouraged to keep up to date in case the situation changes.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has recommended people in the areas take another of measures to prepare including stocking emergency kits, relocating equipment and live stock and filling vehicle fuel tanks.

Rainfall will start in the Eastern Kimberley and Ord River areas before moving into the central and northern Kimberley parts during early Friday.

During Friday the low is expected to move across to the far western Kimberley before making a complete turn and moving back to southern parts of the Kimberley and northern Great Sandy Desert.

Rainfall totals over 48 hours may be 100-150 mm, with isolated falls to 300 mm possible in the east and central Kimberley.

If the low remains in the West Kimberley as forecast, rainfall totals over three days may be 200-250 mm with isolated falls to 500 mm.

Forecast rainfall in the affected catchments is expected to result in river rises, areas of flooding and adversely impact road conditions.