Tropical Cyclone Errol has intensified off Australia’s northwest coast, becoming a category-two system, with expectations of reaching category three shortly. Landfall is not imminent, but warnings for wind and heavy rainfall may be issued soon. If landfall occurs, it would be the third cyclone to impact WA this season, following Dianne and Zelia.
A powerful tropical cyclone, named Errol, has developed off Australia’s northwest coast. The Bureau of Meteorology announced that it was upgraded to a category-two cyclone early Wednesday, having transitioned from a category-one system the previous night. Meteorologist Helen Reid indicated, “By the time we get to tomorrow morning, possibly looking at an intensity category three.”
Cyclones are classified based on their average maximum wind speeds, with category one being the weakest and category five the strongest. Category two cyclones are characterized by destructive winds averaging 89–117 km/h, while category three cyclones can exhibit very destructive winds reaching up to 159 km/h.
Cyclone Errol is currently not expected to make landfall on the WA coast in the next 48 hours. However, wind warnings may be issued for parts of the WA coast and inland areas as early as Thursday morning. Severe weather warnings concerning heavy rainfall could also be forthcoming. Reid explained, “When it does start to turn it will be under the influence of slightly different upper atmospheric dynamics.”
If Cyclone Errol does make landfall, it would mark the third cyclone to affect Western Australia this season, following Cyclone Dianne, which crossed the coast in late March, and Cyclone Zelia that impacted in February, reaching the coast as a category-four system and causing significant rainfall and infrastructure damage. For further updates, consult SBS News.
Cyclone Errol, now classified as a category-two system, is anticipated to gain strength and potentially reach category three status. While it is not expected to impact the WA coastline imminently, meteorologists are preparing for possible wind and rain warnings. This cyclone may follow previous storms that have affected the region this season, emphasizing the need for vigilance among residents.
Original Source: www.sbs.com.au
