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

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Watch (IDW39605) for the West Kimberley, Sandy Desert, and De Grey River catchments. This alert provides early advice of possible flooding across parts of the West Kimberley and Pilbara regions due to heavy rainfall associated with a tropical low.

Affected Areas

The watch covers several major catchments and regions in Western Australia, including:

• De Grey River
• West Kimberley Rivers
• Sandy Desert

Specific coastal and near-coastal areas, including the towns of Broome and Derby, are expected to see the highest rainfall totals. Further inland, heavy rain is likely to impact areas where flooding is already occurring.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning zones 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 travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

A weak tropical low, designated 25U, is currently situated over the southwest Kimberley and is forecast to move west into the Pilbara on Thursday and Friday.

Rainfall Forecasts:

• Coastal Areas (including Broome and Derby): 160 to 240 mm expected over the 48 hours leading into 9:00 AM Thursday.
• Inland Areas: 80 to 120 mm expected over the same 48-hour period.
• Short-term: Up to 50 mm is forecast for the remainder of Tuesday.

Higher isolated rainfall totals are possible in areas affected by thunderstorm activity. Because catchments are already wet from recent rain, these conditions are expected to result in river rises and localized flooding. Some roads may become impassable, potentially isolating communities.

Timeline

The Flood Watch was issued at 11:13 AM AWST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology will continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue specific Flood Warnings as required. The next scheduled Flood Watch update is expected by 12:00 PM AWST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.