Pilbara awash in wet weather
The Pilbara is getting a well-deserved drink after record-breaking rains have caused flooding across the State.
The mining town of Telfer, 466km South East of Port Hedland in the Great Sandy Desert, and known as the State’s most isolated town, received nearly 100mm in less than three hours last week as storms rumbled over the Pilbara.
The latest Bureau of Meteorology statistics showed the recent rains brought the mining town’s total rainfall for the month up to 306mm, almost double the previous January record of 173mm, set in 2013.
It wasn’t just Telfer receiving all the rain, however, as flood warnings for the De Grey River Catchment were announced for the Pilbara area during the later half of last week.
River levels above the minor flood level will continue into the week after isolated heavy falls of up to 55mm were recorded in the De Grey River Catchment.
Oakover River, Nullagine River, Coongan River and De Grey River are part of the catchment which received flood warnings over the weekend and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued multiple alerts for communities to take immediate action.
Pilbara roads were also affected over the weekend and travellers were warned to drive with caution as showers were expected to continue.
Visit BOM.gov.au for up-to-date weather warnings.
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