Flood Watch Issued for West Kimberley and Salt Lakes District Rivers in Western Australia

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 7 for parts of the West Kimberley and Salt Lakes District Rivers. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a tropical low situated over the Interior of Western Australia.

Affected Areas

The following catchments are likely to be affected:

• West Kimberley Rivers
• Salt Lakes District Rivers (particularly northeastern parts)

A minor flood warning remains current for the Fitzroy River catchment. No further flooding is expected in the Sandy Desert catchment.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Check road conditions before traveling, as some roads may become impassable and communities may become isolated.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low is expected to continue weakening through the remainder of the weekend and into Monday. However, because catchments are already relatively wet from recent rainfall, heavier rain near the low in the northeastern Salt Lakes District may lead to localized flooding and hazardous road conditions. In the West Kimberley, while rainfall has eased, river and creek levels are expected to remain elevated before slowly falling over the next few days. Transport disruptions may continue in these areas.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:41 am AWST on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Conditions are expected to persist through the remainder of the weekend. The situation is being monitored, and the next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 12:00 PM AWST on Sunday, February 22, 2026.