CITY of Bunbury residents have been warned to prepare for flooding, along with all communities near the for the Preston River Catchment including the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup and Shire of Capel.
There is no immediate danger but you need to keep up to date in case the situation changes.
Minor flooding is expected to develop in the Preston River downstream of its junction with the Thomson River Friday morning.
WHAT TO DO:
DFES advises you to:
Prepare to relocate equipment and livestock early so they are not caught in floodwaters.
Fill your vehicle's fuel tank.
To prevent flooding inside your home, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways.
Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to relocate.
Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters, as they are dangerous.
With water moving quickly people need to stay out of the Preston River, this includes no swimming or kayaking.
If you are a traveller do not park or camp adjacent to rivers.
IF DRIVING:
Floodways and river levels may rise rapidly so be careful at crossings.
Obey road closure signs and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
Take care on gravel and unsealed roads as they may be slippery and muddy, and you could get bogged.
Carry extra food and water when travelling in case of long delays at crossings.
ROAD CLOSURES:
No roads are closed.
FLOOD DETAILS:
As at 7.29am the Bureau of Meteorology advises significant stream rises are being observed in the Preston catchment due to heavy rainfall in the previous 24 hours.
The Thomson River at Woodperry has risen sharply and is above the Moderate Flood Level (2.5 metres).
Minor flooding is expected to develop in the Preston River downstream of its junction with the Thomson River Friday morning.
At Donnybrook the Preston River is at 2.63 metres and rising. The river is expected to continue rising due to inflows from the Thomson River and approach the minor flood level (3.5 metres) late Friday morning.
The Preston River at Boyanup Bridge is at 0.95 metres and rising. Further stream rises to continue during Friday to around the minor flood level (3.0 metres) possible.
Rainfall over the Preston Catchment has been concentrated along the southern portion with totals of 60 to 100mm being recorded since 9am Thursday. The rain is expected to continue until midday Friday with further falls of 20 to 30mm possible.
Predicted River Heights/Flows:
The Preston River at Donnybrook is expected to approach the minor flood level (3.5 metres) late Friday morning.
Current river levels are available from Department of Water at www.water.wa.gov.au.
WHAT EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE DOING:
DFES is monitoring the situation.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
For SES assistance call 132 500.
In a life threatening situation call 000.
For the latest flood information call 1300 659 213 or visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
The next update will be issued when the situation changes.
ENDS
Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications on 9225 5955.