Key Takeaways
- Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been upgraded to a category four system and is expected to make landfall on the Kimberley coastline near Cape Leveque as a category three system
- Residents living on Western Australia’s Dampier Peninsula have been told to prepare for "severe impacts" and take shelter
- Wind gusts of up to 230km/h and heavy rainfall are expected, with isolated downpours of between 200 and 300 millimetres possible
- The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has set up an evacuation centre in Broome for affected residents
- Residents are warned to be prepared for potential damage to homes and the environment, and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety
Introduction to Tropical Cyclone Hayley
Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been upgraded to a category four system and is expected to make landfall on the Kimberley coastline near Cape Leveque, about 200 kilometres north of Broome, as a category three system this evening. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings for residents living along the Dampier Peninsula, north of Broome to Cockatoo Island, including Derby. Communities along the coast, including Beagle Bay, Djarindjin, and Ardyaloon, are in the warning zone. While Broome is no longer subject to warnings, Kuri Bay remains on alert.
Expected Impacts of the Cyclone
The BOM has warned that Hayley could bring wind speeds of up to 170km/h, with very "destructive wind gusts" of up to 230km/h possible from mid-Tuesday afternoon. Heavy rainfall is also expected, with isolated downpours of between 200 and 300 millimetres possible, leading to flash flooding. The cyclone is expected to make landfall as a category three system, and residents are being warned to prepare for "severe impacts". The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has said that the cyclone could threaten people’s lives, and residents should take shelter immediately.
Preparations and Warnings
The DFES has set up an evacuation centre in Broome for affected residents, and residents from south of Beagle Bay to Cockatoo Island, including Derby, should prepare to take shelter. The latest advice from the BOM and DFES warns of a possible threat to lives and homes, and it is no longer safe to leave. Residents are advised to stock up on food and water, and to be prepared for potential damage to homes and the environment. The region’s early cyclone preparations have meant that remote communities are well-stocked with food and water, but residents are still urged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Potential for Unusually High Tides
The BOM has also warned that tides may be higher than normal as Cyclone Hayley approaches the coast. While a storm surge is unlikely, low-lying areas in Derby are susceptible to flooding. The Shire of Derby-West Kimberley president, Peter McCumstie, has urged residents to be aware of the cyclone’s potential impacts, particularly new residents who may not be familiar with the area’s cyclone season. The next official BOM and DFES advice is expected at 6am WST, and residents are advised to stay tuned for updates and follow evacuation instructions if necessary.
Conclusion and Final Preparations
As Tropical Cyclone Hayley approaches the Kimberley coastline, residents are urged to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. With wind gusts of up to 230km/h and heavy rainfall expected, it is crucial that residents are prepared for the potential impacts of the cyclone. The DFES and BOM are working together to provide updates and warnings, and residents are advised to follow evacuation instructions and take shelter immediately if necessary. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, residents can minimize the risks associated with the cyclone and stay safe until the storm passes.