Tour operators welcome rain as ex-cyclone Errol moves through Kimberley

Authorities in Western Australia's north are continuing to monitor ex-cyclone Errol as it crosses the inland Kimberley, bringing welcome rainfall ahead of tourist season.

The system, which reached category 4 strength on Wednesday, weakened rapidly as it approached the Kimberley coast, crossing as a tropical low just south of Kuri Bay on Friday afternoon.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Kimberley Superintendent Leon Gardiner said authorities had not received any requests for assistance or concern from communities as of Saturday morning. 

"We're not aware of any concerns at this stage and we'll continue to monitor over the coming 12 to 24 hours," he said.

Mr Gardiner said there was the potential for heavy rainfall and localised flash flooding in the central Kimberley as the system moved inland, but authorities didn't hold any specific concerns about the seasonal rainfall.

Meteorologist Helen Reid, from the Bureau of Meterology (BOM), said the remote community of Kalumburu received the highest rainfall, with 161mm recorded since 9am.

"Most of that fell either side of midnight," she said.

"Further afield we have seen extra coming through Kununurra, picking up 45mm there and further south to the Gibb River we have picked up around 15 or 16mm through there, so quite a localised area picking up that extra rainfall."

While rainfall has eased throughout the Kimberley, with the immediate threat of severe weather having passed, BOM said the situation would continue to be monitored.

A storm advice remains in place through DFES for parts of the Kimberley, including Kuri Bay and Mount Barnett.

A 'dodged bullet'

Ex-tropical cyclone Errol is the eleventh cyclone to form in Australia this season.

Nearly all of them, with the sole exception of cyclone Alfred, have been in the north-west of Australia.

Last month Cyclone Dianne brought heavy rainfall to the region.

Former shire president of Derby-West Kimberley, Peter McCumstie, said while ex-cyclone Errol may have disrupted Easter plans, he described the impact as "a dodged bullet".

He also praised locals and tourists for being prepared and encouraged them to stay across any rainfall impacts.

"Most of the rivers and creeks are already half full," he said.

"We've had a really good finish to the wet season; if in fact this is the finish.

"The relevant authorities will be watching river rises in those catchment areas. We all need to keep an eye on where it's dumping water."

Preparing for tourists

Peter Tucker, who runs Kuri Bay Sport Fishing, said gale force winds that were forecast to hit the area didn't eventuate and extra rainfall was welcome ahead of tourist season.

"The guests from all around Australia will be treated to some beautiful waterfalls," he said.

Natasha Marti from Mount Hart Wilderness lodge shared Mr Tucker's enthusiasm for the wet season rain.

"It's like a beautiful oasis here, it's very green and lush," she said.

"We're expecting a lot of rain through all the waterfalls and gorge systems, so we're very excited to get our helicopters out there for some tours."

Ms Marti said she was hopeful the system hadn't affected any other tourism operators and visitors would be able to drive the inland roads soon.