Weather News

Fires and floods plaguing WA

Ben Domensino, Tuesday January 30, 2018 - 11:29 AEDT

Bushfires are burning out of control in Western Australia's South West Land Division today as a tropical low triggers flooding in the state's north.

The contrasting weather is being caused by a high pressure system lying to the south of Western Australia and a deep tropical low sitting over the Kimberley.

This synoptic pattern is directing warm and dry air over much of southern WA, while a blustery and moisture-laden airstream targets the state's northeastern districts.

Broome collected a whopping 410mm of rain during the 24 hours to 9am today. This was their highest daily rainfall total in 21 years and more than 70 per cent of the entire average wet season total.

Nearby, West Roebuck collected 576mm of rain during the 48 hours to 9am today.

The deluge has produced flash and riverine flooding, which has cut off roads and isolated some communities.

In addition to the rain, the low is also causing gale force winds along the most of the Kimberley coastline today. Thunderstorms may also be capable of producing destructive gusts in excess of 125km/h across parts of the northern Kimberley.

Flood watches, flood warnings and severe weather warnings have been issued in parts of the Pilbara, Kimberley and North Interior Districts today.

Meanwhile, Perth residents woke up to a plume of smoke billowing out of Kings Park this morning as a number of fires burnt out if control in the state's southwest.

As of 8am WST, Watch and Act alerts were in place for fire burning near Gidgegannup and Augusta, while Kings Park remained closed.

Visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au for the latest warning information on the flooding and fires in Western Australia.

- Weatherzone

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