Cyclone watch for the North West

A cyclone watch is now out for the north-west Kimberley district.

Yesterday, the Bureau of Meteorology warned of a tropical low that could form into a cyclone and reach the Kimberley by Friday.

Today, Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Neil Bennett said if a cyclone were to form, it would now take longer to intensify and was not expected until Saturday.

He said there was 177mm of rainfall recorded at El Questro overnight and another 113mm at Kununurra.

“This is now the second wettest of any month on record for the Kimberley,” he said.

Mr Bennett said there were a large number of flood warnings for the De Grey, Fitzroy, and Ord rivers.

The bureau advised Port Hedland and Karratha residents to remain aware of the cyclone watch.

If the low does turn into a cyclone, it will be named Alfred.

The bureau advises people to listen to advice from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and follow its updates.