Key Takeaways:
- Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been upgraded to a category four system and is expected to make landfall in WA’s north-west on Tuesday night
- Residents in the Kimberley region are on high alert and have been warned to prepare for destructive wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding
- A watch and act warning is in place for Broome to Kuri Bay, and residents are advised to secure their properties and prepare emergency kits
- The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has warned of a possible threat to lives and homes, and is urging residents to take immediate action to prepare for the storm
- Emergency kits should contain enough food and water for five to seven days, along with essential medications, cash, and a battery-powered radio
Introduction to Tropical Cyclone Hayley
Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been upgraded to a category four system as it approaches landfall in WA’s north-west, packing wind gusts of up to 220km/h. The cyclone is predicted to cross the coast near the northern Dampier Peninsula, about 140km north of Broome, on Tuesday night, with gusts of 170km/h. Residents in the region are on high alert and have been warned to prepare for the storm. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the cyclone will bring destructive wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding, and has urged residents to take immediate action to prepare for the storm.
Preparations and Warnings
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has warned that there is a possible threat to lives and homes, and has urged residents to secure their properties and prepare emergency kits. Residents in Beagle Bay, Cockatoo Island, and Derby have been warned that it is no longer safe to leave, and a watch and act warning is in place for Broome to Kuri Bay. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has advised households and businesses to secure boats, caravans, and trailers, tie down sheds, fasten rainwater tanks and LPG bottles, and remove loose materials or rubbish that could become airborne in strong winds. Residents are also urged to review cyclone warning levels and ensure family members understand what actions to take if warnings escalate.
Emergency Kits and Evacuation Centres
Emergency kits should contain enough food and water for five to seven days, along with essential medications, cash, and a battery-powered radio. Residents living in caravans or older homes have been urged to move to their nearest evacuation centre or another safer location. The Department of Communities has set up an evacuation centre at Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre, and residents evacuating to the centre have been asked to bring essential items, such as medication and identification. Pets are not permitted, except for recognised assistance animals. The SES can be contacted on 132 500 for temporary repairs to significantly damaged homes.
Severe Cyclone Forecast
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Tropical Cyclone Hayley will hit landfall near the northern Dampier Peninsula on Tuesday night, bringing destructive wind gusts up to 170km/h, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, abnormally high tides, and gale-force winds extending east towards Kuri Bay by early Wednesday. Forecasters are warning of a severe cyclone, and have urged all Kimberley residents to stay informed through Emergency WA, local radio, and official Bureau of Meteorology warnings. Authorities have reminded residents that during power outages, NBN-connected phones may not work, making a battery-powered radio an essential part of every emergency kit.
Post-Cyclone Precautions
After the cyclone has passed, residents are advised to take extreme care when returning to their properties, watching for loose roofing materials, unstable trees, damaged water and sewerage pipes, and fallen powerlines. Homeowners are encouraged to photograph any damage for insurance purposes and keep electricity and gas switched off until appliances have been checked by a qualified tradesperson. Motorists are urged to take extreme care, obey road closures, and never drive through floodwaters. Authorities recommend wearing sturdy footwear and protective clothing, and warn against using naked flames in damaged buildings due to the risk of gas leaks.
Conclusion and Final Preparations
As Tropical Cyclone Hayley approaches the Kimberley region, residents are urged to take immediate action to prepare for the storm. With destructive wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding expected, it is essential that residents secure their properties, prepare emergency kits, and stay informed through official warnings and updates. By taking the necessary precautions and following the advice of authorities, residents can help to minimize the risk of injury or damage and stay safe during the storm. Further updates are expected as conditions continue to evolve, and residents are advised to stay tuned to local radio and official warnings for the latest information.