Tropical Cyclone Dianne Expected to Form and Impact WA Coast Soon

Tropical Cyclone Dianne is expected to form off Western Australia’s north coast at 8 PM Friday and will likely cross the Kimberley region at 2 AM Saturday. Wind gusts may reach up to 100 km/h, prompting local residents to prepare for severe weather and potential flash flooding.

Tropical Cyclone Dianne is anticipated to develop off the north coast of Western Australia at approximately 8 PM on Friday, as per the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). This category one cyclone is projected to reach the Kimberley coast around 2 AM on Saturday morning. Residents in affected areas, including Derby and West Kimberley, have been advised to prepare for severe weather conditions.

The cyclone is likely to bring wind gusts up to 100 km per hour, with substantial rainfall predicted. BOM officials indicated that tropical low 28U, currently situated about 280 kilometers north of Derby, would intensify as it approaches land. The winds associated with this system have recently increased from 13 km/h to 17 km/h.

Sand and sandbags will be available for residents in Derby on Friday afternoon, specifically at the SES unit located at the corner of Sutherland Street and Derby Highway. Senior forecaster Luke Huntington has noted that while this cyclone is expected to be a category one upon landfall, there exists a possibility for it to escalate to a category two before weakening back to a tropical low by Saturday morning.

BOM predicts damaging winds and heavy rainfall, estimating 100 to 150 millimeters could fall on Friday, with additional showers expected over the weekend as the system progresses inland. The area potentially affected encompasses regions from Troughton Island to Beagle Bay, north of Broome, with Derby being the largest town in the warning zone.

Authorities, including the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, have urged West Kimberley residents to take necessary precautions as flash flooding is expected. Superintendent Leon Gardiner emphasized the importance of planning and discouraged any unnecessary travel through the area, especially in the event of flooded roadways.

Communities and businesses, particularly offshore mining operations, have been proactively implementing their cyclone plans, including maintaining staff on-site. A representative from Mount Gibson Iron reported that their operations continue with minimal disruption, aside from a temporary pause in ship loading.

While the incoming wet weather presents challenges, some residents view it positively, as indicated by a Fitzroy Crossing pastoralist and Derby resident Karen Rule, who expressed hope for beneficial rainfall and quickly prepared for the cyclone’s effects. As the situation develops, the close-knit community remains vigilant, aiming to minimize potential damage while responding to the anticipated storm, which will be designated as Dianne if it forms as expected.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dianne is projected to form off the coast of Western Australia this evening and will impact the Kimberley region early Saturday. Residents are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions, including strong winds and significant rainfall, potentially leading to flash flooding. While authorities are taking preventive measures, the community is hopeful for beneficial rain following a period of dryness. Vigilance and preparedness are essential as the cyclone approach is closely monitored.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au