Key Takeaways
- Tropical Cyclone Hayley has crossed the WA coast, bringing heavy winds and rain, and widespread power outages.
- The cyclone warning has been downgraded to a Watch and Act, with DFES requesting people to stay away from damage and other hazards.
- The storm still packed gusts of over 150km/h, with residents reporting significant damage, including homes losing their roofs.
- Authorities are working to assess the damage and reopen roads, with a severe weather warning still in place for heavy rainfall.
- Residents are advised to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters and to be cautious of fallen trees and debris.
Introduction to Tropical Cyclone Hayley
Tropical Cyclone Hayley has made landfall on the WA coast, bringing with it heavy winds and rain, and causing widespread power outages. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that the storm crossed the Kimberley coast as a category three system on the Dampier Peninsula at around 5pm on Tuesday. Despite being downgraded from a category four system with 220km/h winds, the cyclone still packed significant gusts of over 150km/h, causing damage and disruption to the area.
Assessing the Damage
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury stated that the storm’s impact was still significant, with winds of up to 157km/h and 131.8mm of rain recorded in the area. Residents at the Lombadina community at Cape Leveque reported that two homes lost their roofs, with many more seeking shelter with family and friends. The cyclone warning has been downgraded to a Watch and Act, with DFES requesting people to stay away from damage and other hazards. Electricity was cut in some areas, and there were reports of trees falling over, with Main Roads and DBCA working to reopen the Broome Cape Leveque Road, which was closed due to a significant amount of debris.
Response and Recovery Efforts
The response to the cyclone has been swift, with DFES and Horizon Power deploying aircraft to assess damage and direct ground crews to repairs. Nine people sought shelter in Broome, with many more seeking refuge with family and friends. Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm managing director James Brown reported that there was significant damage to the farm, with structures sustaining roof damage and trees down everywhere. It is expected to take days to clear the roads and assess the full extent of the damage. DFES has also reminded people across the region to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and to be cautious of fallen trees and debris.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The Bureau of Meteorology is still monitoring the situation, with a tropical cyclone warning current for the area north-east of Derby, south-east of Cockatoo Island, and west of Mount Barnett. The warning includes the risk of gales with damaging wind gusts up to 100km/h, as well as heavy rainfall. Ms. Bradbury stated that the remnants of Hayley are expected to move inland, with the winds easing back later in the day. However, a severe weather warning is still in place for heavy rainfall, with six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 to 60 millimeters expected, and isolated falls potentially higher.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to those affected. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of emergency services. The Bureau of Meteorology will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the weather forecast and warnings. With the storm expected to weaken further, the focus will shift to recovery efforts, with crews working to restore power and reopen roads. The community is coming together to support those affected, and it is expected to take some time to fully recover from the impact of Tropical Cyclone Hayley.