CYCLONE ADVICE - CAPE LEVEQUE TO BROOME (NOT INCLUDING BROOME)
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a cyclone advice for south of Cape Leveque to Broome (not including Broome).
DFES advises those living in communities between south of Cape Leveque to Broome (not including Broome) should prepare their homes and families for a possible cyclone, with the development of a tropical low off the Western Australian coast.
WHAT TO DO:
Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA advises you to:
- Review your family cyclone plan and make sure everyone knows what to do.
- Prepare your home inside and out.
- Organise and emergency kit with a portable battery-operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.
- Know the community cyclone alert system and the steps that must be taken for each alert.
DETAILS:
At 8.30am, April 10 2023 the Bureau of Meteorology advised the Tropical Low continues to develop at a slow rate but may still become a cyclone tonight.
It is then expected to intensify further over the next two days as it moves along a general west southwest track, parallel to the Kimberley coast.
There is a significant risk that this system will intensify into a severe tropical cyclone during Wednesday.
It is expected the track will turn to the south during the middle of the week and a severe impact is likely along the coast between Port Hedland and Broome, during Thursday or Friday.
Intensity: Tropical Low, sustained winds near the centre of 55 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.
Location: within 55 kilometres of 12.6 degrees South 124.0 degrees East, estimated to be 620 kilometres north northeast of Broome and 440 kilometres north northeast of Cape Leveque.
Movement: west at 18 kilometres per hour.
Hazards: gales with wind gusts to 90 km/h are no longer expected during the next 24 hours.
Gales with wind gusts to 90 km/h and HEAVY RAINFALL may develop between Cape Leveque and north of Broome on Wednesday as the system passes to the north while intensifying.
Squally thunderstorms with heavy falls are expected over the northern Kimberley during today and Tuesday.
Abnormally high tides are possible about the Kimberley coast between Kalumburu and Kuri Bay during today and Tuesday.
In some locations the tide may be close to the highest astronomical tide of the year.
FLOODING ALERT - KIMBERLEY, PILBARA
People in parts of the Kimberley, De Grey and Sandy Desert Districts should prepare for possible flooding expected over the coming days.
This includes people in parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara.
There is no immediate danger but keep up to date in case the situation changes.
WHAT TO DO:
- Prepare to relocate equipment and livestock early so they are not caught in floodwaters.
- Prepare an emergency kit including enough canned food and water to last for four days, as well as clothing, important documents and medication.
- Fill your vehicle's fuel tank.
- Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to evacuate
- Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters, as they are dangerous.
- Stay out of rivers, this includes no swimming or kayaking.
- Do not park or camp adjacent to rivers.
IF DRIVING:
- Be careful at crossings and floodways as river levels may rise rapidly.
- Obey road closure signs and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
- Take care on gravel and unsealed roads as they may be slippery and muddy, and you could get bogged.
- Carry extra food and water when travelling in case of long delays at crossings.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Roads have been closed including:
- Gibb River Road in both directions between Mt Barnett and Pentecost River
The following road is open to high clearance four wheel drives and Trucks only:
- Gibb River Road between Pentecost River and Great Northern Highway
- Gibb River Road between Lennard River to Mt Barnett
- Nanutarra Munjina Road between Hamersely Road to Youngaleena Community
- Marble Bar Road between Nullagine and Great Northern Highway near Newman
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
- For State Emergency Service (SES) assistance call 132 500.
- In a life-threatening situation call 000.
- For weather information visit www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit Emergency WA, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter, Facebook, listen to news bulletins.
During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.
The next update will be issued when the situation changes
Perri Polson
Perri is an agriculture journalist with Farm Weekly. Born in regional Victoria, Perri developed a love of regional and rural news at a young age, and is now passionate about advocating for the agricultural industry. Her interests include science, agronomy, livestock and food production.
Perri is an agriculture journalist with Farm Weekly. Born in regional Victoria, Perri developed a love of regional and rural news at a young age, and is now passionate about advocating for the agricultural industry. Her interests include science, agronomy, livestock and food production.
