Home

Tropical cyclone warning for Pilbara and Kimberley regions in WA’s far north

The West Australian
Residents in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions are being warned to batten down the hatches as a tropical low forming over WA’s north coast could develop into a tropical cyclone this week.
Camera IconResidents in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions are being warned to batten down the hatches as a tropical low forming over WA’s north coast could develop into a tropical cyclone this week. Credit: Pilbara Weather Guy/Angus McLeod

Residents in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions are being warned to batten down the hatches as a low forming over WA’s north coast could develop into a tropical cyclone this week.

Bureau of Meteorology forecasters are closely monitoring the State’s northern waters, with an increased likelihood of a tropical cyclone developing from Thursday onwards.

While BOM advises it is too early to say if and where the potential cyclone could impact, it is possible the system could make landfall later this week — prompting the warning.

“The risk of (the tropical low) reaching tropical cyclone intensity increases in the latter half of this week, and by the end of the week it may approach and cross the Pilbara coast,” a BOM statement read.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“It’s important that residents along the Pilbara and Kimberley coasts start preparing and becoming familiar with their cyclone plans.”

There is also the potential for another tropical low to move into the north WA region.

This system is expected to develop near Java and has a low chance of developing into a cyclone.

It is expected to move west and possibly affect the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, bringing heavy rain and potentially damaging winds this week.

One cyclone has formed so far this season in WA waters, tropical cyclone Joshua.

After reaching category 1 strength this weekend TC Joshua did not impact the WA mainland.

It has weakened to a tropical low and moved further west, out of the Australian region, according to BOM.

Meanwhile, the southern half of the State is facing dangerous fire conditions, with high temperatures and the risk of fires being ignited by lightning strikes.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails