Key Takeaways
- Tropical Cyclone Luana has hit Western Australia’s Kimberley region, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.
- The cyclone is expected to weaken below tropical cyclone strength and continue to move south-east.
- Emergency services are advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay informed through Emergency WA, DFES, or the Emergency WA app.
- Severe weather warnings are in place for parts of the Kimberley, North Interior, and Pilbara regions.
- Power outages have been reported in Derby, with over 70 Horizon Power customers affected.
Introduction to Tropical Cyclone Luana
Tropical Cyclone Luana has made landfall in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, specifically in the Dampier Peninsula, which is located over 2,000 kilometers north of Perth. The cyclone initially hit the region as a category two cyclone, but has since been downgraded to a category one cyclone as it continues to move south-east. As the cyclone tracks through the state’s interior, it is expected to weaken below tropical cyclone strength, but heavy rainfall and strong winds are still expected to persist in the region.
Assessing the Damage
Residents in the affected areas are waking up to assess the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Luana. The cyclone has already produced over 200 milliliters of rain across the region, and severe weather warnings are in place for parts of the Kimberley, North Interior, and Pilbara regions. Emergency services are advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel, as the heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue for Derby and southern parts of the Dampier Peninsula. In Derby, over 70 Horizon Power customers are experiencing power outages, and roads such as Cape Leveque Road and Gibb River Road have been closed due to the severe weather conditions.
Community Reaction
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Luana has been described as a "bit of an anticlimax" by Beagle Bay CEO, Henry Augustine. Mr. Augustine stated that the cyclone’s impact was not as severe as expected, particularly when compared to ex-Tropical Cyclone Hayley, which crossed over the new year period. He noted that people were more worried about Luana, but it ended up being a lot less stronger than Hayley. However, the two cyclones in a row have been a big "wake-up call" for the community, and many residents chose to evacuate and seek shelter elsewhere. Mr. Augustine emphasized the importance of being wary and prepared for unpredictable weather events like cyclones.
Personal Experiences
Residents in the remote community of Chile Creek reported experiencing wild weather with "howling winds" during the cyclone. Roma Peurtollano, a resident of Chile Creek, sheltered at home with her dog and described the experience as "quite scary". She stated that the force of the wind was "just crazy" and that she had not gone outside yet to see what kind of damage there was. Ms. Peurtollano noted that Tropical Cyclone Luana felt stronger than Cyclone Hayley, which passed through in December. Her experience highlights the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions during severe weather events.
Staying Informed and Safe
As the cyclone continues to move through the region, it is essential for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Emergency services are advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay informed through Emergency WA, DFES, or the Emergency WA app. Residents can also listen to ABC Kimberley for updates on the cyclone’s movement and any changes to the weather forecast. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can minimize the risks associated with severe weather events like Tropical Cyclone Luana.
