A cyclone warning has been issued for Western Australia's Kimberley region, with residents from Mitchell Plateau to Bidyadanga advised to prepare for potentially dangerous weather conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology issued the alert on Thursday morning, highlighting the imminent threat posed by a developing tropical system.
Tropical Low Intensifies Towards Kimberley Coast
The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that a Tropical Low is currently situated over waters to the northwest of the Kimberley coast. This weather system is forecast to intensify as it tracks southeast towards the northwest Kimberley coast over the coming two days. Areas likely to be affected include the significant population centres of Broome and Derby, along with surrounding regions.
Timeline of Expected Cyclone Development
Meteorologists predict the system will strengthen further on Friday, reaching tropical cyclone intensity overnight or early on Saturday morning. The Bureau advises that it is likely to cross the northwest Kimberley coast during Saturday as a category 1 cyclone. Following landfall, the system is expected to weaken as it moves inland, tracking through the Kimberley as a tropical low. However, heavy rainfall and damaging winds remain possible across parts of the region through Sunday.
Specific Weather Threats and Impacts
Damaging winds with gusts potentially reaching up to 120km/h are possible between the Mitchell Plateau and Broome from late Friday or early Saturday as the system approaches the coast. The Bureau warns that these gales could extend further south to Bidyadanga later on Saturday if the system tracks further west than currently anticipated.
Heavy rainfall is also expected across the northwest Kimberley from late Friday, bringing a significant risk of flash flooding along the coast and in nearby inland areas during Saturday. Although there is no immediate danger at present, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services is closely monitoring the situation.
Emergency Preparation Guidelines for Residents
Authorities have strongly advised that residents in the affected areas need to begin preparing for dangerous weather immediately and maintain regular updates on the developing situation. Comprehensive preparation measures include both indoor and outdoor actions to secure property and ensure personal safety.
Essential Preparation Steps
- Secure all loose items around your home and workplace including boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, outdoor furniture, rainwater tanks, LPG bottles, and any loose material or rubbish.
- Ensure your emergency kit is complete and verify that all family members understand emergency procedures. If you do not have an emergency plan, create one immediately using the Emergency WA website or mobile application.
- Your emergency kit should contain sufficient canned food and water to last five to seven days, a comprehensive first aid kit, necessary medications, cash reserves, and a battery-operated radio with spare batteries to receive warnings.
- Familiarise yourself with the different cyclone warning levels and the specific actions required for each level of alert.
- Regularly monitor the Emergency WA website for official updates and guidance.
Travellers, visitors, and tourists currently in the warning area are strongly advised to leave the region as a precautionary measure. For additional information on comprehensive preparation strategies, residents should consult the official emergency preparation resources available through Western Australian authorities.
