Tropical Cyclone Kelvin heads south
Tropical Cyclone Kelvin moving south inland across the far east Pilbara and into the North Interior as a category 1 tropical cyclone, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
BoM has advised heavy rainfall is expected to cause significant river rises, areas of flooding and adversely affect road conditions in the Sandy Desert.
Significant stream rises with areas of flooding are expected to develop in the Sandy Desert catchments in the Shire of East Pilbara overnight.
An alert issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services at noon today said Midwest-Gascoyne and Sandy Desert residents need to take action for major flooding.
People need to be on watch for changes in water levels, have a relocation kit, and relocate equipment and livestock, not to park or camp adjacent to rivers.
Floodways and river levels may rise rapidly so be careful at crossings, some roads may be closed due to rising flood waters.
A warning released this afternoon advised there is a BLUE ALERT is current for people in or near Telfer and Punmu in the Pilbara.
“Kelvin will weaken below cyclone strength during Monday afternoon as it continues to move further inland towards the south southeast. Gales may persist in the eastern quadrants of the system till Tuesday morning.”
The storm is currently estimated to be 60 kilometres east northeast of Telfer and travelling east at 12 kilometres per hour.
“Gales with gusts to 100 kilometres per hour are likely over the far eastern Pilbara and far northwest North Interior District.”
Great Northern Highway from Marble Bar Road/Great Northern Highway Intersection to Sandfire Roadhouse is closed to all vehicles.
Great Northern Highway from Sandfire Roadhouse to Roebuck Roadhouse is closed to all vehicles.
Water Corporation is advising people not to swim, fish or recreate in Roebuck Bay or Dampier Creek in Broome until further notice as a precautionary measure following the significant amount of rain.
More weather advise will be released at 3pm today.
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