Kimberley cyclone: Wild weather expected from Troughton Island to Beagle Bay, including Derby

Residents in WA’s north are bracing for wild weather as a cyclone develops off the Kimberley coast.

The system — which is sitting off the northwest Kimberley cost as a tropical low — is likely to develop into a cyclone before it crosses the coast between Kuri Bay and Cape Leveque on Friday night or Saturday morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts enhanced thunderstorm activity and heavy rainfall from Troughton Island to Beagle Bay, including Derby.

“Gales with damaging wind gusts to 100 kilometres per hour likely to develop in coastal areas between Mitchell Plateau and Beagle Bay during this evening and Saturday morning,” the BoM advice stated.

“The risk period for Gales at Derby is during Saturday morning. Gales may extend east to Troughton Island on Friday evening if the system takes a track further east.

“Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is possible in parts of the northern and western Kimberley from Friday, extending further inland during the weekend.”

Emergency WA has told people in the area to start preparing now for the dangerous weather.

Sand and sandbags are available at the SES unit in Derby for a two hour period from 3.30 to 5.30pm on Friday.

WHAT TO DO

• Travellers, visitors and tourists should stay informed and reassess their travel plans. There may be delays on the roads, check the Main Roads Travel Map for the latest information.
• Know the cyclone warning levels and the steps that must be taken for each level.
• Review your cyclone plan and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do.
• Ensure your emergency kit is complete. It should include canned food and water to last five to seven days, a first aid kit, medication, cash and an AM/FM battery-operated radio and spare batteries to listen to warnings.
• 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.
• Remember that preparing your home and property is your responsibility.
• Monitor the Emergency WA website.
• For more information on how to prepare visit emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare
• If driving, obey road closure signs and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
• Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters as they are dangerous.