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FLOODS
FLOODING can occur in any part of Western Australia at any time, although
in the past decade it has occurred mostly in the North West of the
State due to rainfall associated with cyclones.
Carnarvon is located on a coastal delta where the Gascoyne River can
produce flooding of very large areas when cyclones pass over the river
system every few years.
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| 2000 flood, Front verandah of Brick House homestead near peak. |
River crossing flooded, Gascoyne Junction. |
Situated in the arid shrublands and pastoral region on a floodplain
delta, the Gascoyne River is generally dry above the surface, with
river flows dependant on rainfall in the Lyons and Upper Gascoyne
River Catchments. Floods occur at irregular intervals, isolating Carnarvon
from the north and south of Western Australia.
Thunderstorms can cause localized flooding, where cyclones can result
in wider scale flooding. Most cyclone deaths are from drowning in a
storm surge or flood. It does not have to be raining on your area for
flooding to cure and you may become stranded for many days until the
water subsides. Some remote areas can be isolated for months by floods.
Plan your journey careful and pay attention to road closed signs. Road
closures are for your safety.
Do
• Carry enough water in case you are isolated by a flood.
• Check Road conditions before you drive
• Tell someone your travel plans before you go.
• Obey all road closure signs.
• Listen to authorities. If they tell you to move to a safer place, do
so. |
Don’t
• Park or camp in a dry river crossing – your vehicle could be washed
away if flood water rushes through.
• Drive across flood waters – there may be submerged obstacles and
road damage.
• Swim or wade in flood water – you could be swept away and drowned.
There may be poisonous snakes and spiders in the water. |
ROAD CONDITION INFORAMTION
| Call the Road Conditions Line 138
138 or visit |
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TUNING IN
ABC Local Radio in WA is committed to supporting emergency services
during cyclones and other disasters. ABC Local Radio will keep you
up to date with the latest information during all major emergencies.
| Carnarvon |
846
AM |
| Exmouth |
1188 AM |
| Karratha |
702 AM |
| Meekatharra |
106.3 AM |
| Newman |
567 AM |
| Port Hedland |
603 AM |
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE (SES)
Exmouth ph. +61 08 9949 1488
Carnarvon ph. +61 08 9941 2121
Shark Bay ph. +61 08 9948 1078
Coral Bay ph. +61 08 9942 5932
WATER AND RIVERS COMMISSION
Information for protecting, understanding and using the waters and
rivers.
Details
211 Robinson Street
Carnarvon WA 6701
ph. +61 08 9941 4921
fax. +61 08 9941 4931
website. www.wrc.wa.gov.au
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