Key Takeaways:
- Severe Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been downgraded to a category two system as it moves eastwards across Western Australia’s Kimberley coast.
- The storm is expected to continue to weaken in intensity and could drop to tropical low status as early as Wednesday morning.
- A warning zone is in place north of Beagle Bay to south of Kuri Bay, with heavy rainfall and flash flooding expected in the next 24 hours.
- Emergency services have been bolstered ahead of the cyclone, with crews flown in to Broome to assist with the response.
- A number of people have evacuated from Dampier Peninsula communities to Broome, including elders from the Djarindjin community.
Introduction to Cyclone Hayley
Severe Tropical Cyclone Hayley has been downgraded to a category two system as it moves eastwards across Western Australia’s Kimberley coast. The eye of the cyclone crossed the tip of the Dampier Peninsula coastline, north of Broome, around 5pm (WST) on Tuesday evening. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says the storm is gradually weakening, with sustained winds of 110 kilometres per hour near the cyclone’s centre, with wind gusts of up to 155kph. The storm is currently 80km north west of the town of Derby.
Warning Zones and Evacuations
A warning zone is in place north of Beagle Bay to south of Kuri Bay, while warnings have been cancelled for parts of the Dampier Peninsula near and south of Beagle Bay, as well as Derby and Kuri Bay. Heavy rainfall is also expected, with the possibility of flash flooding in the next 24 hours. The Broome Cape Leveque Road closed as Tropical Cyclone Hayley neared. Cyclone Hayley is expected to continue to weaken in intensity as it heads east over land and could drop to tropical low status as early as Wednesday morning. BOM WA state manager James Ashley said the system had sped up from 12km/h to 23km/h in the final hours before crossing the coast.
Debris Warnings and Emergency Services
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) acting Kimberley superintendent Todd Pender said loose debris was a key concern for residents in the emergency warning zone. "As those gale force winds intensify to damaging and then also to destructive, they have the propensity to pick up the debris and fly it around the community," he said. Emergency service crews were bolstered ahead of the cyclone, with operational and search and rescue teams flown into Broome. Mr Pender assured the community that enough people were in place to support during the cyclone, including a number of State Emergency Services volunteers who had arrived to assist with recovery efforts.
Community Evacuations and Support
A number of people have evacuated from Dampier Peninsula communities to Broome, including elders from the Djarindjin community. Laurel Angus said it had been raining heavily in the community before they left on Tuesday. "We had to move out. We wouldn’t feel safe there with the cyclone," she said. Community member Erica Kyle drove the bus of elders and described the journey as "slow" and "wet". "They were a bit upset they had to leave their houses, but they know it’s the right thing," she said. An emergency evacuation centre has been set up at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre, where evacuees can seek shelter and support.
Conclusion and Ongoing Response
As Cyclone Hayley continues to move eastwards across Western Australia’s Kimberley coast, emergency services remain on high alert. The storm is expected to continue to weaken in intensity, but heavy rainfall and flash flooding are still expected in the next 24 hours. Residents in the warning zone are advised to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of emergency services. The community has come together to support those affected by the cyclone, with many evacuees seeking shelter in Broome. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that residents stay informed and prioritize their safety above all else.