Tropical Cyclone Dianne Expected to Form and Impact WA Coast Soon

Tropical Cyclone Dianne is likely to form off the WA coast around 8 PM Friday and cross the Kimberley coast at approximately 2 AM Saturday. Residents should prepare for wind gusts of 100 km/h and significant rainfall, with emergency services advocating for safety measures against flash flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) indicates a high likelihood of Tropical Cyclone Dianne forming around 8 PM on Friday off Western Australia’s north coast. This tropical low, currently identified as 28U and positioned approximately 280 kilometers north of Derby, is expected to impact the Kimberley coast at roughly 2 AM on Saturday, potentially as a category one cyclone. The system’s wind speeds are increasing from 13 km/h to 17 km/h.

Residents of Derby and the West Kimberley region are advised to prepare for gusts reaching up to 100 km/h. The BOM forecasts significant rainfall, estimating accumulations of 100 to 150 millimeters throughout Friday and into the weekend as it moves inland towards Fitzroy Crossing. Sand and sandbags will be available for residents between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM on Friday at the SES unit in Derby.

BOM senior forecaster Luke Huntington notes the cyclone is anticipated to briefly maintain its strength as it crosses the coast, specifically between Derby and Kuri Bay. However, he emphasizes that it is likely to revert back to a tropical low by Saturday morning, resulting in a short-lived event. An “outside chance” suggests it may strengthen to a category two cyclone while traversing land.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has urged West Kimberley residents to prepare for possible flash flooding and dangerous weather conditions. Superintendent Leon Gardiner warns against traveling through flooded areas, reflecting on the potential danger of unknown water depths. Coordination with remote coastal communities and mining operations has been established; these entities are implementing their cyclone preparedness plans.

Mount Gibson Iron, operating in Koolan Island, stated that operations would continue with minimal disruption, only pausing ship loading. Meanwhile, local residents express their hopeful anticipation for the rain, with a Fitzroy Crossing pastoralist noting that it would significantly benefit the region after recent dry periods. Derby resident Karen Rule commented on the community’s readiness, as they work to safeguard their property and await ample rainfall to benefit local waterways.

Tropical Cyclone Dianne is expected to form off Western Australia’s Kimberley coast, bringing strong winds and significant rainfall. Residents in affected regions are urged to prepare, as the cyclone is projected to impact communities by early Saturday morning. The weather system is anticipated to weaken shortly after crossing land. Local preparedness measures are in place, and community reactions show a mix of caution and optimism for the rainfall.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au