Flood warning in Goldfields region

Updated: 17:45, Thursday January 23, 2014


Lives and homes may be at risk in Western Australia's Goldfields region where rainfall associated with a deep tropical low is expected to cause flooding.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued an alert at 12.30pm (WST) on Thursday, urging people in Laverton, Leonora, Leinster, Menzies, Kalgoorlie, Coolgardie and surrounding communities to take action.

'There is a possible threat to lives and homes due to rising water levels in local rivers and streams,' DFES warned.

'Water will be fast flowing and levels will rise quickly.'

In the 24 hours to 9am (WST), rainfall levels in the Goldfields ranged from 25mm to 130mm.

For the 24 hours to 9am (WST) on Friday, widespread rainfall of 40mm to 60mm, with isolated heavier falls up to 100mm, are forecast for the southern Goldfields extending to Eucla near the South Australian border.

SES volunteers have so far received more than 12 calls for help from people needing assistance with minor flooding of their homes.

Several roads are closed including Goldfields Highway between Leonora and Meekatharra, and between Kambalda West and Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Great Eastern Highway from Coolgardie to Southern Cross is open to all vehicles but drivers are asked to take extreme caution.

The heavy rainfall hit the state's north earlier this week, leaving many people needing help from emergency services.

On Tuesday, five children - three of whom needed medication - and their father were rescued after becoming stranded in a car with little food and water, surrounded by flood waters, as they travelled from Darwin to Halls Creek along an unsealed road.

Another man who was travelling with them walked about 50km to eventually raise the alarm at the Ringer Soak Community, arriving on Monday after leaving the vehicle on Friday.

The father also swam across a river seeking help from a nearby station.


http://www.skynews.com.au/local/article.aspx?id=944362

Cheers Shelby   

Fortunately we'll be well east of that line.

Pete

yo crazy one
sad I can,t make ..but surely u gotta b west of the rain..
mark 409

Murchison Brother   
All good    you goin out ?