I have just driven through the Wheatbelt, from Wyalkatchem to Northam and the roads are safe in that area, except on the Toodyay Road. Regional farmers have recently been preparing for seeding. Migratory Egyptian herons were on patches of the railway line, outside Dowerin. Small newborn black lambs were sheltering on the ground with their mothers, near Goomalling. I did see someone's hay bales semi-submerged near the rail-line, driving into Northam. The section of road between Northam and York (Northam-York Rd) has been closed. Water is also spilling on to the road , closer to Northam, before the marked Heritage trail drive turn-off. Near Mullakine, the Avon River is so engorged that the bridge is in some danger. Exercise caution as this section of road may also be cut off. Cars were being forced to drive around the water which had covered half the road. A warning sign is alerting traffic and cars can return to Northam but this is not advisable for trucks. Traffic to Perth should take the Great Eastern Highway and not the Tooyjay or Northam-York road tonight. Another 60 mm of rain is predicted. (11 Feb. 2017)
*Driving at night in the region is not advisable as emergency services often rely on volunteers. Please take care if travelling behind horse floats if horses are being moved. Small reflectors on coats and oil skins, or bright colours on wet weather coats for horses, are a good idea. Health service workers should consider staying close to working premises and not driving home tonight.
*Driving at night in the region is not advisable as emergency services often rely on volunteers. Please take care if travelling behind horse floats if horses are being moved. Small reflectors on coats and oil skins, or bright colours on wet weather coats for horses, are a good idea. Health service workers should consider staying close to working premises and not driving home tonight.
