Tropical Cyclone Errol Expected to Intensify Off Northwest Australia Coast
Tropical Cyclone Errol has formed off Australia’s northwest coast, intensifying to category two and expected to potentially reach category three soon. Wind and heavy rain warnings are possible as it approaches the coast, although significant impact is not expected in the next 48 hours.
A significant tropical cyclone, designated as Errol, has emerged in the waters off Australia’s northwest coast. Meteorologists have indicated that this cyclone is likely to intensify further and may approach the mainland in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology upgraded Errol to a category two cyclone early on Wednesday, following a classification change from a category one just the night before.
Meteorologist Helen Reid stated that, “By the time we get to tomorrow morning, possibly looking at an intensity category three.” This categorization is based on the cyclone’s maximum wind speeds, with category two systems experiencing destructive winds ranging from 89 to 117 km/h, while category three cyclones can exhibit winds up to 159 km/h.
While Cyclone Errol is not projected to impact the Western Australia coast in the immediate 48 hours, meteorological warnings for winds could be issued as soon as Thursday morning in certain coastal and inland regions. In addition, severe weather advisories for heavy rainfall may also be anticipated. Reid added, “When it does start to turn it will be under the influence of slightly different upper atmospheric dynamics, and that will help it turn as well as maybe interrupt some of that intensification process.”
If Cyclone Errol does indeed make landfall, it would mark the third occurrence of a cyclone impacting Western Australia this season. Previously, Cyclone Dianne crossed the coast in late March, followed by Cyclone Zelia in February, the latter of which reached land as a category four cyclone, causing widespread damage and significant rainfall.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Errol is anticipated to intensify further and may approach the Western Australia coast shortly. Although it is currently classified as a category two storm, predictions suggest it may reach category three status soon. Weather advisories for potential wind and heavy rain are expected to be issued as Cyclone Errol progresses in the coming days.
Original Source: www.sbs.com.au
