Great Northern Highway Closed Until Wednesday Amid Rising Floodwaters

A major highway in northern Western Australia has been closed until at least Wednesday due to rising floodwaters, impacting parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. The Great Northern Highway has been inaccessible since the weekend, with Main Roads WA confirming its closure until Wednesday at the earliest.

The Great Northern Highway is closed until at least Wednesday due to rising floodwaters, impacting parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

Current Flood Situation and Forecast

The Fitzroy River currently measures 11.3 meters and is continuing to rise. A peak height of 11.7 meters is forecast for Tuesday.

Sections of the Fitzroy Crossing town site have become isolated due to these rising river levels, as a tropical low moves across the area.

The Fitzroy River is currently at 11.3 meters and is forecast to peak at 11.7 meters on Tuesday.

Community Impact and Response

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is providing re-supply drops to remote communities in the surrounding area.

Authorities have informed residents that floodwaters are not expected to directly impact homes in the affected areas.

Historical Context

The last recorded flood event of a similar magnitude in Fitzroy Crossing and the Fitzroy Valley occurred in 2023.

During that event, the river reached 14.32 meters, resulting in the destruction of multiple homes and the town's main bridge.