Floodwater has triggered multiple evacuations, many roads around the Fitzroy River are impassable

The Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie as it brings heavy rain and storms to Western Australia.

Over the past week, very high rainfall totals of 250-500mm have been observed in northern Western Australia associated with Ellie, including 823mm at Diamond Gorge.

The Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing was at 15.29 metres and rising at midday on Tuesday, exceeding the previous record in 2002 of 13.95 metres. Further rises are possible as upstream floodwaters arrive, and the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing may reach around 15.60 metres later Tuesday. 

Floodwater has triggered the need for multiple evacuations, relocation of community members. Many roads are impassable, and most communities are now isolated. 

Heavy rainfall is likely to impact Broome from Tuesday. If the system slows near Broome on Wednesday and Thursday it could bring gale force winds and intense rainfall possibly leading to inundation of low-lying areas on Wednesday morning. These impacts may last for two to three days. 

Gale force winds are possible about the southwest coast of the Kimberley from Wednesday morning even if the system remains over land. 

 

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