Tropical Cyclone Dianne: Northern WA flood alerts remain for Broome, Derby

A severe weather warning is in place for communities in the Kimberley and Pilbara as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Dianne continues to cross the Kimberley coast.

The cyclone — which was downgraded to a tropical low — is about 35km north-east of Derby with raging wind gusts of up to 95km/h.

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Dianne is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of the Flood Watch area over the remainder of the weekend and into next week as it continues to move inland,” a DFES spokesperson said.

“Moderate to heavy falls are likely in the Flood Watch area as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Dianne moves inland. Significant widespread daily rainfall totals are expected, with isolated daily totals in excess of 250mm possible.”

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services downgraded its warning to “monitor conditions” for residents living in the Tanami Desert Catchment in parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara about 1pm on Saturday.

“There is no immediate danger but you need to keep up to date in case the situation changes,” a spokesperson said.

“Prepare to move cars, equipment, livestock and pets early so they are not caught in floodwaters.

“Prepare an emergency kit including enough canned food and water to last for five to seven days, as well as clothing, important documents such as identification and insurance papers, medication, cash and an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries to listen to warnings.”

Derby has recorded 153.2mm of rain in the six hours up to 9am.

DFES confirmed it had received two SES calls reporting flooding and roof and ceiling damage from two separate Derby properties.

A flood advice warning is also in place for communities in the Sandy Desert Catchment in parts of the Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields Midlands.

Former president of the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley, which is currently in administration, Peter McCumstie said ex-TC Dianne passed about 35km east of the town and was accompanied by wind gusts around 60-80km/h or more.

“With an incoming tide over 11.5m this caused higher than usual waves which have caused damage to the Derby Port car parks and Barge Ramp areas including significant undermining of the rock armouring protection for these areas,” he said.

“There are flooded roads and a number of trees down on properties and streets and some further flooding on some properties.”

He said the weather hasn’t caused any major damage as yet, but assessment was ongoing.

Positive Fishing’s Karen Rule, who is also on the ground in Derby, said there had been a massive amount of rain over the course of the morning.

“Last couple of hours have definitely picked up compared to the gentle rain over night. Almost 100mm of rain in last three hours,” she said.

“Just been for a drive around town and there are lots of branches down. There’s so much water everywhere but it’s draining off.

“Derby’s roads are designed to act like gutters to push all the water out onto the marsh and it’s working. The marsh is flooded.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said ex-TC Dianne was moving southwards and weakening at about 13km/h.

“Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is likely in parts of the northern and western Kimberley, extending to further inland parts of the Kimberley and adjacent North Interior over the weekend as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Dianne moves further inland,” the bureau said.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully.