Flood Watch Issued for West Kimberley, De Grey River, and Sandy Desert Regions

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDW39605) for multiple catchments in Western Australia. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding due to a tropical low currently centered over the southwest Kimberley. The situation is being monitored closely, and further flood warnings will be issued as required.

Affected Areas

The following catchments and regions are included in the watch area:

• De Grey River
• West Kimberley Rivers
• Salt Lakes District Rivers
• Sandy Desert

Additionally, a minor flood warning is currently in effect for the Fitzroy River catchment.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to take the following safety 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 to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low is moving west toward the Pilbara coast. While rain has eased in some areas, heavy rainfall remains possible from thunderstorms or convective bands forming around the low. Since Sunday, February 15, Broome and surrounding areas near the Roebuck plains have recorded up to 300 mm of rain. Because catchments are already wet from recent rainfall, further precipitation is expected to cause river rises and flooding. This may result in impassable roads and the isolation of some communities.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:52 am AWST on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The next Flood Watch update is scheduled to be issued by 12:00 PM AWST on Friday, February 20, 2026.