Tropical Cyclone Dianne Expected to Form and Impact Western Australia
Tropical Cyclone Dianne is projected to form off the northern coast of Western Australia at around 8 PM on Friday, anticipated to reach the Kimberley coast early Saturday morning as a category one cyclone, bringing potential wind gusts of up to 100 km/h and significant rainfall of 100-150 mm. Residents are urged to prepare accordingly while efforts are underway to manage potential flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Dianne is expected to form off the north coast of Western Australia at approximately 8 PM on Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has indicated this tropical low, designated as 28U, is likely to develop into a category one cyclone, anticipated to reach the Kimberley coast around 2 AM on Saturday morning. Significant wind gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected, prompting safety preparations among residents in Derby and surrounding areas.
Forecasts released on Friday afternoon suggest that tropical low 28U will evolve into a cyclone roughly 280 kilometers north of Derby, increasing its speed from 13 km/h to 17 km/h. Residents in Derby are advised to acquire sandbags and sand at the SES unit on Friday evening, available from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. As the cyclone forms south of Kuri Bay, it is predicted to cross the coast with considerable effects.
Senior forecaster Luke Huntington has stated that the cyclone will be categorized as a one upon reaching land, situated between Derby and Kuri Bay, with a possibility of evolving into a category two system. He noted this would be a short-lived cyclone, expected to revert to a tropical low by Saturday morning, leading to damaging winds and substantial rainfall throughout the region, especially in coastal areas.
Rainfall projections estimate between 100 to 150 millimeters for Friday, moving through the inland Kimberley towards Fitzroy Crossing over the weekend. The impacted area stretches from Troughton Island to Beagle Bay on the Dampier Peninsula, north of Broome, with Derby being the most populous town affected by warnings.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has urged residents in West Kimberley to prepare for dangerous weather, including flash flooding. Kimberley Superintendent Leon Gardiner emphasized the importance of formulating plans and avoiding unnecessary travel within the region to mitigate risk. He warned against traversing flooded roadways, as flood waters can be deceivingly deep.
Authorities are in contact with remote coastal communities and offshore mining operations, such as those on Koolan Island and Cockatoo Island, ensuring they implement relevant cyclone plans. Despite the looming weather system, Mount Gibson Iron reported minimal expected impact beyond typical wet season conditions, continuing site operations with precautions in place.
The anticipated rainfall is welcomed by some residents; a pastoralist in Fitzroy Crossing expressed optimism for the drought-stricken areas. Derby resident Karen Rule conveyed excitement about potential rain, noting that residents were proactively preparing their properties to mitigate damage risks as a result of increased weather activity.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dianne is poised to form off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia, with forecasts suggesting substantial wind and rain impacts. Residents are advised to take precautions, including retrieving sandbags, as damaging gusts could occur. While authorities are prepared for the cyclone’s short duration, community members are hopeful that the rainfall will benefit local water supplies, showcasing a mix of concern and optimism about the incoming weather system.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
