Cyclone warning: Broome, Derby among Kimberley towns issued warnings over category two cyclone

An urgent weather warning has been issued to residents living in WA’s north as a tropical low system continues to intensity off the coast.

Residents between holiday hotspot Broome and Kuri Bay have been issued cyclone advice, with the system expected to make landfall as a category two on Saturday somewhere between the two locations.

The tropical low is currently located to the northwest of the Kimberley coast, with weather experts anticipating that it will continue to intensify throughout Friday as it travels southeasterly.

The system has reached wind speeds exceeding 65km/hr with gusts reaching speeds of 95km/hr as of 11am on Friday.

A map showing the cyclone’s predicted movements indicate it will near the town of Derby at 11pm on Saturday.

A slew of warnings have been issued to residents, aiming to prepare them for the weekend of wild weather.

Residents in coastal parts of WA’s north between Cockatoo Island and Beagle Bay have been warned destructive wind gusts will likely hit the region on Saturday, with weather experts warning gusts could reach speeds of 130km/hr.

Damaging wind gusts reaching speeds of 120km/hr are also possible between Kuri Bay and Beagle Bay from Friday evening onwards.

The gales may extend east towards Derby and south towards Broome on Saturday morning as the system makes landfall.

The northwest Kimberley district, including the coast and inland areas, has been warned of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding from Friday night.

Residents within King Sound have been warned of a potential dangerous storm tide as a result of the cyclone, with rising tides causing an increased risk of damaging waves and dangerous flooding.

Those in Cape Leveque and Cockatoo Island have also been warned of rising tides, with low-lying coastal areas at risk of minor flooding.

DFES continues to monitor the situation, with residents in affected areas urged to check for updates and prepare for dangerous weather.

WHAT TO DO

• Get ready for dangerous weather by preparing your home inside and out. Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, outdoor furniture, rainwater tanks, LPG bottles, loose material and rubbish around your home and workplace.
• Ensure your emergency kit is complete and check your family knows what to do. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.
• Your emergency kit should include canned food and water to last five to seven days, a first aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio and spare batteries to listen to warnings.
• Know the cyclone warning levels and the steps that must be taken for each level.
• Monitor the Emergency WA website.
• For more information on how to prepare visit emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare.
• Travellers, visitors and tourists should leave the warning area.