UPDATE 1PM Friday July 31
A FLOOD warning has been upgraded by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services who said people near the Busselton coast and Blackwood River need to take action now as minor flooding is expected.
The department said water will be fast flowing and levels will rise quickly.
Earlier today a flood warning was issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for residents on the Busselton coast and Blackwood River.
The department said minor to moderate flooding is expected to develop on Friday and Saturday water will flow fast and levels will rise quickly.
What you need to do:
- Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to relocate.
- Ensure your relocation kit, including your emergency kit is complete.
- Relocate equipment and livestock so they do not get caught in floodwaters.
- Prepare pet food or stockfeed in case you cannot return home for a few days.
- Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters as they are dangerous.
- Do not go near storm drains and pipes, ditches and ravines, as they are dangerous.
- Stay out of rivers, this includes no swimming or kayaking.
- Do not park or camp adjacent to rivers.
Drivers should:
- Be careful at crossings and floodways as river levels may rise rapidly.
- 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.
- If your car stalls in rising water, abandon it immediately and seek shelter above floodwater.
Predicted River Heights/Flows:
- Minor to moderate flooding is expected to develop in the Vasse Diversion at D/S Hill Rd during Friday morning.
- Based on recorded and forecast rainfall, the Blackwood River at Bridgetown is expected to reach minor flood level during Friday afternoon.
Keep up to date at www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
For the latest flood information call 1300 659 213 or visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood.
