Flood Watch Issued for West Kimberley, Sandy Desert, and Salt Lakes District Rivers

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Watch Number 6 for several districts in Western Australia. This alert serves as early advice for possible flooding within specified catchments due to a tropical low moving through the state’s interior.

Affected Areas

The flood watch is currently in effect for the following regions:

• West Kimberley Rivers
• Salt Lakes District Rivers
• Sandy Desert

While flooding remains a concern in these areas, the Bureau has noted that flooding is no longer expected in the De Grey catchment. A separate minor flood warning remains current for the Fitzroy River catchment.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous and conditions can change quickly.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead of time to avoid flooded routes.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au for local emergency management warnings.

Expected Conditions

A tropical low that recently moved from the southwest Kimberley toward the Interior has already produced significant precipitation. Broome Airport and surrounding areas near the Roebuck plains recorded approximately 300 mm of rain in the four days ending February 18.

While rain has eased in the West Kimberley, low-lying areas remain flooded. Heavier rainfall is still possible around the tropical low in the Sandy Desert and northeastern Salt Lakes District. Because catchments are already relatively wet from recent rainfall, further rain may result in localized flooding, impassable roads, and the potential isolation of communities.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:40 AM AWST on Friday, February 20, 2026. The situation is being monitored closely, and the Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 12:00 PM AWST on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Flood warnings will be issued individually if conditions escalate.