MEDIA RELEASE

Persistent heavy rainfall in the Esperance region in the past few days has caused significant flooding. From late Monday evening (4th ) until 9 am today Esperance recorded 209 mm, the heaviest rainfall event since rainfall records began in 1889. A total of 107 mm fell in the 24 hours to 9 am this morning, including 55 mm from 10 am until 11.30 am yesterday morning. This is the third highest daily fall on record, falling short of the 126 mm on 30 April 1922. The two day fall of 189 mm replaces the previous highest total of 137.7 mm on 5-6 June 1941.

January's total to date of 212 mm contrasts with the monthly average of just 13 mm and the previous highest January total of 133.2 mm at the Post Office in 1939.

Many surrounding areas have also recorded rainfall in excess of 100 mm. For example, Munglinup recorded 119 mm in the 24 hours to 9 am yesterday.

This unseasonal event is due to a strong and slow moving upper level trough undercut by cool southeasterly winds near the surface according to senior forecaster Linda McCready.

Low Temperatures
Many centres in the Great Southern and adjacent areas have registered their lowest ever January maximum temperatures in the last few days. On Tuesday Mount Barker, Ravensthorpe, Narembeen, Ongerup all recorded a maximum of just 15°C. Hyden recorded 17°C, half the January average of 34°C. Esperance recorded maximum temperatures of 17°C on Tuesday and Wednesday.

If you have any enquiries contact Joe Courtney in the Climate and Consultancy Section on 08 9263 2222.