Tropical Cyclone Errol Forecast to Intensify Near Northwest WA Coast

Tropical Cyclone Errol has intensified to category two and may reach category three shortly. Wind warnings and severe weather alerts are anticipated for the WA coast, with concerns regarding possible landfall as the cyclone approaches the mainland.

Tropical Cyclone Errol has intensified off the northwest coast of Australia, having been upgraded to a category two system early Wednesday, with predictions it may approach the mainland within days. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, this occurred following the development of a low-pressure system into a category one cyclone on Tuesday night. Meteorologist Helen Reid indicated that by the next morning, Errol could reach a category three intensity.

Cyclones are classified based on their maximum average wind speeds; category one is the weakest and category five is the strongest. A category two system, such as Errol, produces destructive winds with speeds ranging from 89 to 117 kilometers per hour. In contrast, category three cyclones can generate very destructive winds with maximum speeds of up to 159 kilometers per hour.

Although Errol is not anticipated to affect the Western Australian coast within the next 48 hours, wind warnings may be issued for certain parts of the coast and inland regions as soon as Thursday morning. Furthermore, severe weather alerts for heavy rainfall could also be forthcoming, as noted by Reid. She mentioned that when the cyclone begins to veer, it will be influenced by different upper atmospheric conditions that could slow its intensification.

Should Errol make landfall, it will be the third cyclone to impact Western Australia this year, following Cyclone Dianne in late March and Cyclone Zelia in February. Cyclone Zelia reached the coast as a category four system, inflicting significant rainfall and infrastructure damage.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Errol is intensifying off Australia’s northwest coast and may reach category three status soon. Wind warnings and severe weather alerts are anticipated for the region. If it impacts the mainland, Errol will join the ranks of the recent cyclones that have affected Western Australia, which underscores the ongoing risks associated with tropical cyclones in this area.

Original Source: www.sbs.com.au