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DFES Great Southern Superintendent Wayne Green tells Albany and Elleker residents to prepare for more rain

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DFES Great Southern chief Wayne Green has urged residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for more rain.
Camera IconDFES Great Southern chief Wayne Green has urged residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for more rain. Credit: Laurie Benson

The head of WA’s emergency services in the Great Southern has advised residents in flood-prone areas around Albany to be prepared for substantial rainfall next week.

The tiny town of Elleker is still recovering from a wild storm on June 21 that flooded homes and cut off residents by damaging the two main roads between Albany and Denmark.

By the time the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the region at 7.21pm, the unexpectedly heavy deluge had already caused significant flooding.

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Department of Fire and Emergency Services Great Southern Superintendent Wayne Green said about 20-30mm was forecast to fall from Walpole to Albany between Monday and Wednesday.

Though that level of rainfall was not cause for alarm, he said people in communities south of Lower Denmark Road should monitor water levels and take precautions if necessary.

“In Elleker and Cuthbert and any area that is still saturated and did get flooded in that last event, we just want people to be aware and monitor it,” Mr Green said.

“What we’re trying to do is not alarm anyone, it’s just to bring it to their attention. We’re conscious that they didn’t get much lead in previously.”

The cold fronts set to impact the Albany area from Monday to Wednesday are expected to bring strong winds, dangerous surf and higher than normal tides.

DFES Great Southern Superintendent Wayne Green at the flooded Woodides Road in Elleker.
Camera IconDFES Great Southern Superintendent Wayne Green at the flooded Woodides Road in Elleker. Credit: Laurie Benson

As of Friday evening, the bureau said Albany was “likely” to experience thunderstorms on Monday and Wednesday.

Showers are also forecast for Thursday and Friday.

“We’re not anticipating any flooding but we’re just making sure people are aware,” Mr Green said.

“Certainly people can check their drainage systems are working correctly, and if they have got water sitting in paddocks just monitor that.

“The thing that hampered efforts last time was that the area had already been cut off. If people do see a huge body of water rising then get and get out early, but if they are going to stay then just be prepared.

“If people need any further advice on what they can do to prepare themselves or their properties just visit emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare, where you’ve got a whole heap of information.”

In the event of significant flooding, call the SES on 132 500.

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