Urgent Cyclone Warning issued for Western Australia’s North as Tropical Low Intensifies
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Residents in western Australia’s north are bracing for a potentially destructive cyclone, with authorities issuing urgent warnings and opening evacuation centers.
An urgent weather warning is in effect for communities along the Western Australian coast as a tropical low system rapidly intensifies off the coast.Evacuation centers have been established at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Center, and another will open at 8:00 AM on Saturday, January 24, at the Derby Civic Centre. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to take immediate action to protect themselves and their property.
Dampier Peninsula Residents Told to Evacuate Promptly
On Friday evening,the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) released a red alert for residents of the Dampier Peninsula,urging them to evacuate immediately if they are unprepared. The system is expected to continue to strengthen throughout Friday as it moves in a southeasterly direction. The system is expected to make landfall as a category two cyclone on Saturday, somewhere between the popular tourist destination of Broome and Kuri Bay.
As of 11:00 AM on Friday, the system was generating wind speeds exceeding 65 km/hr, with gusts reaching 95 km/hr. A map from the Bureau of Meteorology indicates the cyclone will approach the town of Derby around 11:00 PM on saturday.
[Image of cyclone’s projected path from the Bureau of Meteorology]
Destructive Winds and Risky Storm Tides Anticipated
A series of warnings have been issued to prepare residents for severe weather conditions. Destructive wind gusts of up to 130 km/hr are expected to impact coastal areas between Cockatoo Island and Beagle Bay on Saturday. Damaging wind gusts reaching 120 km/hr are also possible between Kuri Bay and Beagle Bay starting Friday evening. These gales are forecast to extend eastward towards Derby and southward towards Broome on Saturday morning as the cyclone makes landfall.
The northwest Kimberley district, encompassing both coastal and inland regions, is under alert for heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding beginning Friday night. residents within King Sound have been warned of a potential dangerous storm tide, with rising tides increasing the risk of damaging waves and widespread flooding. Low-lying coastal areas in Cape Leveque and Cockatoo Island are also at risk of minor flooding due to rising tides.
DFES has reiterated the urgency for residents of the Dampier Peninsula to evacuate if unprepared, emphasizing the risk of becoming isolated.
Preparing for the Cyclone: Essential Steps
Authorities are urging residents to take the following steps to ensure their safety:
- Put your emergency plan into action, or create one now using the Emergency WA website or app.
- if your plan involves evacuation, leave immediately.
- Assemble an emergency kit containing at least a week’s supply of canned food and water, a first aid kit, necessary medications, cash, and a battery-operated AM/FM radio for receiving warnings.
- Determine your evacuation route and destination, whether it be with family or friends outside the warning area.
- If sheltering at home, ensure you and your family are both physically and mentally prepared for the severe conditions.
- Secure your property by bringing loose items indoors, such as trampolines and outdoor furniture.
- Move vehicles under cover and secure cyclone shutters or board up windows.
- Ensure the safety of pets and animals.
- Charge mobile phones in anticipation of potential power outages.
Residents are reminded that shops may be closing in preparation for the cyclone’s arrival. The situation remains dynamic, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and heed all warnings issued by authorities.
