Communities along Western Australia's remote Kimberley coastline are being told to take immediate action as Tropical Cyclone Hayley intensifies and moves closer to land. Emergency authorities have escalated warnings, stating the situation poses a serious and rapidly developing threat to lives and property.
Cyclone Watch and Act Issued for Coastal Communities
A Cyclone Watch and Act alert is now active for coastal areas from south of Beagle Bay to Cockatoo Island. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that the cyclone, currently a Category 2 system located northwest of the coast, began moving southeast on Monday afternoon and is strengthening.
The system is forecast to intensify into a severe Category 3 cyclone overnight Monday and maintain that strength as it crosses the coast. It is expected to track east-southeast during Tuesday, making landfall on the northern part of the Dampier Peninsula late in the day.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a stark warning, urging residents in the affected areas to either prepare to shelter safely or leave immediately if they are not ready. "Conditions can change very quickly," the warning stated, advising people not to be complacent even if they have experienced cyclones previously.
Urgent Preparations and Evacuation Centre Opened
Residents remaining in the warning zone must activate their cyclone plans now. Those without a plan are directed to create one using the Emergency WA website or app. Authorities are strongly encouraging people in caravans, older homes, or poorly maintained buildings to relocate to safer ground with family, friends, or at an evacuation centre.
The Department of Communities has established an evacuation centre at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre. Evacuees are asked to bring essential items like medication and identification, but pets are not permitted except for certified assistance animals.
Key preparation steps advised by DFES include:
- Securing properties by tying down loose items like outdoor furniture and trampolines.
- Moving vehicles under cover and boarding up windows.
- Preparing an emergency kit with at least seven days of supplies, including food, water, a first aid kit, medications, cash, and a battery-powered radio.
- Charging mobile phones and devices while power is still available.
Broome Threat Eases but Dangers Persist Regionally
While the direct cyclone threat to Broome and areas south of Beagle Bay has eased, authorities caution that dangerous conditions from the strengthening offshore system are still possible. Hazards such as flooding, fallen trees, and damaged infrastructure may occur.
For communities further south from Derby to Kuri Bay, a Cyclone Advice is current. Residents there are urged to begin preparatory steps, such as securing boats and caravans, without facing immediate danger.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts destructive wind gusts up to 150km/h, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and abnormally high tides. Gale-force winds are expected to extend east towards Kuri Bay by early Wednesday.
All residents are urged to stay informed via Emergency WA, local radio, and official BoM warnings. Authorities have reminded the community that during power outages, NBN-connected phones may fail, making a battery-operated radio a critical item.
