Severe Tropical Cyclone Errol Forecast: Intensification and Anticipated Weakening Before Landfall
Severe Tropical Cyclone Errol intensified to category 4 on Wednesday but is expected to weaken before landfall in Western Australia this weekend. It will likely make landfall as a category 1 cyclone late Friday or Saturday, producing heavy rains and possible damaging winds in the Kimberley region.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Errol recently reached category 4 strength after experiencing rapid intensification, first detected at category 1 on Tuesday night. By Thursday at 2 AM AWST, Errol was located approximately 510 km northwest of Broome. This swift intensification underscores the cyclone’s potency.
The cyclone commenced a significant turn towards the left on Wednesday night into Thursday morning, which has subjected it to a less favorable atmospheric environment. This environmental shift is projected to result in a decrease in intensity as Errol approaches the western Australian coast.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s track map issued at 2:47 AM AWST on Thursday, Errol is forecasted to weaken quickly as it nears the Kimberley coast on Friday. Current predictions indicate that it may make landfall as either a category 1 tropical cyclone or a tropical low sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning.
Despite the anticipated weakening, Errol is expected to generate significant rainfall in parts of the Kimberley beginning Friday and extending into the weekend. There is also a possibility of damaging winds, particularly in areas between Kuri Bay and Beagle Bay. Notably, Errol is the eighth severe tropical cyclone recorded in the Australian region this season, marking the highest count in a single season in 19 years.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Errol has exhibited rapid intensification, reaching category 4 strength before predicted weakening as it approaches land. The cyclone is expected to make landfall as a less powerful system over the weekend, yet it will still bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds to the Kimberley region. This season has witnessed a notably high number of severe tropical cyclones, emphasizing the ongoing climatic challenges faced in the area.
Original Source: www.weatherzone.com.au
