Tropical Cyclone Dianne is expected to form off Western Australia’s coast this evening and make landfall in the Kimberley region early Saturday, bringing wind gusts up to 100 km/h and heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to prepare and take precautions against flooding and related hazards.
The Bureau of Meteorology has announced a high probability that tropical low 28U will develop into Tropical Cyclone Dianne by 8 PM on Friday, located off Western Australia’s northern coast. This weather system is expected to make landfall on the Kimberley coast around 2 AM on Saturday, classified as a category one cyclone. Residents in areas such as Derby and West Kimberley are urged to prepare for potential impacts, including high wind speeds and rainfall.
Specifically, wind gusts reaching up to 100 km per hour are anticipated, along with significant rainfall levels. A forecaster reported that Tropical Cyclone Dianne could distribute between 100 to 150 millimeters of rain on Friday before advancing inland over the weekend towards Fitzroy Crossing, impacting areas from Troughton Island to Beagle Bay north of Broome.
As a precaution, sand and sandbags will be made available for residents in Derby from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Friday. The sand will be accessible at the SES unit located at the intersection of Sutherland Street and Derby Highway. Superintendent Leon Gardiner from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has cautioned about imminent flash flooding and advised residents to reconsider their travel plans in light of the approaching storm.
To enhance safety, he emphasized, “If you find yourself coming up against a flooded roadway or flooded creek, we really encourage people not to drive, walk, run, swim or play in those flood waters.” This warning is vital as even minor floodwaters can pose significant risks.
Despite the cyclone’s threat, some local residents express optimism regarding the rainfall, which could alleviate the drought conditions experienced in recent months. Karen Rule, a Derby resident, noted that the community had prepared for the wet season and was actively ensuring their properties were safeguarded from prospective damage. Should Dianne form, it will be notable as the first cyclone of the wet season to impact the Kimberley region.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Dianne is projected to form off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia on Friday evening, bringing high winds and significant rainfall. Residents are advised to prepare adequately and remain vigilant due to the potential for flash flooding and hazardous weather conditions. The local community is hopeful that the anticipated rainfall will mitigate prior drought conditions, with support from local emergency services.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
