Tropical Cyclone Errol Intensifying Off Northwest WA Coast

Tropical Cyclone Errol has intensified to a category-two system and may approach the WA coast soon. Wind warnings and severe weather alerts could follow as it turns towards the mainland, potentially impacting parts of western Australia with destructive winds and rainfall. This cyclone will be the third of the season in the region.

Tropical Cyclone Errol has developed offshore of Australia’s northwest coast and is predicted to head towards the mainland shortly. The cyclone was upgraded to a category two system on Wednesday after previously being categorized as a one the previous night, as reported by the Bureau of Meteorology. 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 speed, with category one being the weakest and category five the strongest. Category two cyclones experience destructive winds averaging 89-117 km/h, while category three cyclones can bring very destructive winds of up to 159 km/h.

Currently, Cyclone Errol is not expected to make landfall on the WA coast within the next 48 hours. However, meteorologists suggest wind warnings may be issued as soon as Thursday morning for certain areas along the coast and inland. Severe weather warnings for heavy rainfall might also be expected. Reid stated, “When it does start to turn it will be under the influence of slightly different upper atmospheric dynamics…”

Should it make landfall, Cyclone Errol would mark the third cyclone to impact Western Australia this season, following Cyclone Dianne, which affected the coast in late March, and Cyclone Zelia, which made landfall in February as a category four system causing significant rainfall and infrastructural damage.

Tropical Cyclone Errol is intensifying and may pose threats to the northwest WA coast soon. Its classification as a category two cyclone indicates potential destructive winds. Precautions must be taken as wind and severe weather warnings could be issued shortly. Cyclone Errol’s impact could make it the third cyclone to strike WA this season, following Cyclone Dianne and Zelia.

Original Source: www.sbs.com.au