Tropical Cyclone Dianne Expected to Form and Impact WA Coast This Weekend

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts Tropical Cyclone Dianne will form at 8 PM and hit the Kimberley coast around 2 AM on Saturday, bringing gusts of up to 100 km/h and significant rainfall. Residents are advised to prepare for the cyclone, which may last only a short time, and to remain cautious of potential flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has announced a high likelihood that tropical low 28U will develop into Tropical Cyclone Dianne at approximately 8 PM Friday evening, off the north coast of Western Australia. The cyclone is projected to be a category one system and is expected to make landfall along the Kimberley coast around 2 AM on Saturday morning.

Wind gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour are anticipated, prompting residents in Derby and the West Kimberley region to prepare for adverse weather conditions. The tropical low has been identified about 280 kilometers north of Derby, with its speed increasing from 13 km/h to 17 km/h, indicating its development into a cyclone.

Residents will have access to sand and sandbags at the SES unit in Derby, available Friday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The BOM confirms that the cyclone is likely to form south of Kuri Bay on Friday night before crossing the coast. Senior forecaster Luke Huntington noted it should maintain a category one status upon reaching the mainland.

Huntington also indicated that there is a slight possibility for the cyclone to escalate to a category two system, although its duration is expected to be brief, reverting to a tropical low by Saturday morning. Heavy rainfall ranging from 100 to 150 millimeters is expected both Friday and into the weekend as the system moves inland toward Fitzroy Crossing.

The potential area affected includes Troughton Island to Beagle Bay on the Dampier Peninsula, north of Broome, with Derby being the most populated town under the warning. The cyclone is forecasted to weaken and progress southeast into the Central Kimberley as the weekend unfolds.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has urged West Kimberley residents to prepare for hazardous weather, with Superintendent Leon Gardiner emphasizing the risk of flash flooding. Residents are encouraged to finalize their plans for the next 24 to 48 hours and avoid unnecessary travel.

Gardiner stressed the dangers of flooded roadways and urged against entering floodwaters due to unknown depths. He reassured that while major isolations are not anticipated, remote coastal communities and offshore mining operations are following their cyclone protocols to ensure safety.

Mount Gibson Iron has reported minimal anticipated impacts on their operations at Koolan Island, other than a temporary halt in ship loading. Some community members, including a pastoralist from Fitzroy Crossing, have welcomed the potential rainfall after previous dry months.

Derby resident Karen Rule expressed optimism for increased rainfall that will benefit local rivers and reduce damage around the town. She noted the community’s awareness of evacuation protocols and expressed hope that preparations had been made to ensure safety during the approaching cyclone.

Should the cyclone materialize, it will be designated as Dianne, marking the first cyclone to impact the Kimberley coast this wet season.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dianne is poised to form off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia following the expected development of tropical low 28U. Communities are urged to prepare for significant wind gusts and rainfall, with safety measures being instituted by local authorities. The brief duration of the cyclone may provide relief in terms of drought while issuing warnings about potential flooding. The community remains vigilant, demonstrating readiness to mitigate risks as conditions evolve.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au