Flood alert for some WA regions as nation shivers

Two Western Australian regions are bracing for floods, with heavy rain forecast for the start of the week and communities warned to stock up on essentials in case they become isolated.

Areas of the Midwest Gascoyne and Pilbara should prepare for flooding, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said in an alert issued on Sunday.

"There is no immediate danger but you need to keep up to date in case the situation changes," the department said.

Nationally, most capitals are shivering through a cold Sunday, with Sydney (17C), Melbourne (14C), Canberra (12C), Adelaide (16C), and Hobart (11C) all experiencing cooler weather, ahead of colder overnight temperatures.

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The Bureau of Meteorology said possible moderate to heavy rainfall was developing about the far west Pilbara and adjacent northwest Gascoyne.

Moderate to heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms are forecast for the next few days over the western Pilbara and northwest Gascoyne.

Daily rainfall totals of 30-80mm are possible across the flood watch areas, with higher isolated daily totals of 100mm possible across the western Pilbara and northwest Gascoyne. The peak rain day is likely to be on Monday.

Flooding of low-lying areas and river rises are expected and many roads, and possibly primary and secondary highways, may be affected.

Some communities and homesteads may become isolated and some roads may be closed.

Locals in the affected areas should prepare to move cars, equipment, livestock and pets early so they are not caught in floodwaters.

"Prepare an emergency kit including enough canned food and water to last for five to seven days, as well as clothing, important documents such as identification and insurance papers, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio to listen to warnings," DFES advised.