Cyclone warning: Broome, Derby among Kimberley towns issued warnings over category two cyclone

An urgent weather warning has been issued to residents living in WA’s north as a tropical low system continues to intensity off the coast.

An evacuation centre is open at Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre. Another evacuation centre will open at 8am on Saturday January 24 at the Derby Civic Centre.

DFES released a statement on Friday evening warning that people in Dampier Peninsula should leave now if not prepared.

“Locals and travellers within the warning area should reconsider travel plans over the Australia Day long weekend due to the forecast crossing of a tropical cyclone. Roads and tracks in the area may become impassable or could close with little notice,” the statement said.

Residents between holiday hotspot Broome and Kuri Bay have been issued cyclone advice, with the system expected to make landfall as a category two on Saturday somewhere between the two locations.

The tropical low is currently located to the northwest of the Kimberley coast, with weather experts anticipating that it will continue to intensify throughout Friday as it travels southeasterly.

The system has reached wind speeds exceeding 65km/hr with gusts reaching speeds of 95km/hr as of 11am on Friday.

A map showing the cyclone’s predicted movements indicate it will near the town of Derby at 11pm on Saturday.

A slew of warnings have been issued to residents, aiming to prepare them for the weekend of wild weather.

Residents in coastal parts of WA’s north between Cockatoo Island and Beagle Bay have been warned destructive wind gusts will likely hit the region on Saturday, with weather experts warning gusts could reach speeds of 130km/hr.

Damaging wind gusts reaching speeds of 120km/hr are also possible between Kuri Bay and Beagle Bay from Friday evening onwards.

The gales may extend east towards Derby and south towards Broome on Saturday morning as the system makes landfall.

The northwest Kimberley district, including the coast and inland areas, has been warned of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding from Friday night.

Residents within King Sound have been warned of a potential dangerous storm tide as a result of the cyclone, with rising tides causing an increased risk of damaging waves and dangerous flooding.

Those in Cape Leveque and Cockatoo Island have also been warned of rising tides, with low-lying coastal areas at risk of minor flooding.

DFES has confirmed that people need to leave now in the Dampier Peninsula if they are not prepared, otherwise there is a risk becoming isolated.

WHAT TO DO

• Put your plan into action. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.
• If your plan is to leave, leave now.
• Make sure your emergency kit is ready with enough canned food and water to last for a week, a first aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated AM/FM radio to listen to warnings.
• Decide where you will go and how you will get there. This could be with family or friends away from the warning area.
• No matter how many cyclones you have been through, a severe cyclone can be overwhelming. If you plan to shelter at home, make sure you and your family are physically and mentally prepared Prepare your property now, including securing loose items like trampolines and outdoor furniture.
• Move vehicles under cover.
• Fasten cyclone shutters, board up exposed windows.
• Ensure pets and animals are safe.
• Shops may now be closing.
• Charge your mobile phone in case power goes out.