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A tropical cyclone warning for the Kimberley has those in the region on high alert as they prepare to ride out the storm.
Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been upgraded to a category four system as it approaches landfall in WA’s north-west, packing wind gusts up to 220km/h.
The cyclone is predicted to cross the coast near the northern Dampier Peninsula — about 140km north of Broome — on Tuesday night, with gusts of 170km/h.
The Prime Minister on Tuesday said the area northwest of Broome had already experienced winds of 150km/hr up to 165km/hr.
“An evacuation centre has been set up at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre,” he said.
“Australians’ thoughts are with that local community at a difficult time.”
Residents in Beagle Bay, Cockatoo Island and Derby have been warned that itis no longer safe to leave. A watch and act is in place for Broome to Kuri Bay.
“We can expect to see those gale force winds picking up through Tuesday morning and then intensifying to destructive wind gusts from Tuesday afternoon and possibly very destructive wind gusts,” Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How said.
“We are expecting this system to gradually weaken as it approaches the coast but still remain a severe category three system.”
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has warned that there is a possible threat to lives and homes, with winds .
It said that destructive wind gusts were expected to develop from north of Broome to Cape Leveque about mid-afternoon on Tuesday, with gusts extending east to Cockatoo Island.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding is also possible.
“You need to act now and get ready to take shelter from the cyclone.” the DFES alert read.
“Make final preparations … an emergency warning – shelter indoors now — is expected to be issued around midday”
DFES is advising households and businesses to secure boats, caravans and trailers, tie down sheds, fasten rainwater tanks and LPG bottles, and remove loose materials or rubbish that could become airborne in strong winds.
Residents are also urged to review cyclone warning levels and ensure family members understand what actions to take if warnings escalate.
Emergency kits should contain enough food and water for five to seven days, along with essential medications, cash and a battery-powered radio.
Residents living in caravans or older homes have been urged to move to their nearest evacuation centre or another safer location.
The Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre.
Urgent preparations underway
- Residents remaining in the warning zone have been told to activate their cyclone plans immediately.
- Those without a plan are urged to create one using the Emergency WA website or the Emergency WA app.
- Households are advised to prepare emergency kits with enough supplies to last at least seven days, including canned food and drinking water, a first aid kit and essential medications, cash and a battery-operated AM/FM radio to receive warnings if power is lost.
- Authorities have also warned that shops may close as weather conditions worsen and were urging people to charge mobile phones and devices while power was still available.
- Properties should be secured without delay, with residents advised to remove or tie down loose items such as trampolines and outdoor furniture, move vehicles under cover, fasten cyclone shutters, board up exposed windows and ensure pets and animals are safely sheltered.
- DFES cautioned that hazards such as flooding, fallen trees, damaged infrastructure and downed powerlines may persist.
- Motorists are urged to take extreme care, obey road closures and never drive through floodwaters.
- Residents returning to properties are advised to watch for loose roofing materials, unstable trees, damaged water and sewerage pipes and fallen powerlines.
- Authorities recommend wearing sturdy footwear and protective clothing, and warn against using naked flames in damaged buildings due to the risk of gas leaks.
- Homeowners are encouraged to photograph any damage for insurance purposes and keep electricity and gas switched off until appliances have been checked by a qualified tradesperson.
- The SES can be contacted on 132 500 for temporary repairs to significantly damaged homes.
- Residents evacuating to the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre were asked to bring essential items, such as medication and identification. Pets were not permitted, except for recognised assistance animals.
Severe cyclone forecast
- The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Tropical Cyclone Hayley, currently a category 4 system, will hit landfall near the northern Dampier Peninsula on Tuesday night.
- Forecasters are warning of destructive wind gusts up to 170km/h, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, abnormally high tides and gale-force winds extending east towards Kuri Bay by early Wednesday.
- DFES and emergency agencies continue to closely monitor the system and are urging all Kimberley residents to stay informed through Emergency WA, local radio, and official Bureau of Meteorology warnings.
- Authorities have reminded residents that during power outages, NBN-connected phones may not work, making a battery-powered radio an essential part of every emergency kit.
- Further updates are expected as conditions continue to evolve.
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