The search for seven people missing in remote Western Australia has been hampered by severe weather conditions.
Two elderly men, an elderly woman and four children aged 12 to 17 years set off from Kalgoorlie Boulder on March 10, headed 650km north-east to Tjuntjuntjarra Aboriginal Community.
It's believed they left between 10am and 2pm in two 4WD vehicles and were meant to arrive in the morning on March 11.
Heavy rain caused flash flooding in the area with the biggest total on the south coast at Eyre where 141.2mm was recorded in 24 hours.
A severe weather warning was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for an area east of Kalgoorlie on March 13 with a "near-stationary trough" producing heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms.
Police said the severe weather on March 13 meant search efforts by air could not go ahead.
"As soon as the weather improves, an air asset will be deployed," a WA Police spokesperson said.
"At this time road conditions are dangerous, particularly in relation to the route we believe the people have taken.
"Motorists travelling in the Goldfields area are urged to check the Main Roads and Bureau of Meteorology sites for current information on road conditions."
It comes a day after police Inspector Mick Kelly told reporters he held "urgent welfare concerns" for the group.
He said he had been told the cars had minimal food onboard but one had water, bedding and camping gear.
"We're praying that they've stayed with the car," he said.
The vehicles are a beige Toyota Landcruiser, registration A683, and a white Mitsubishi Triton with the registration KBC8881.
- Anyone with information is asked to call the Kalgoorlie Police Station on 9021 9777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
With Australian Associated Press
