Tropical Cyclone Dianne Set to Form and Impact Western Australia This Weekend

Tropical Cyclone Dianne is likely to form off Western Australia’s coast on Friday evening, becoming a category one system before crossing the Kimberley coast early Saturday morning. Residents are advised of strong winds and significant rainfall, with preparations in place to mitigate potential flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology has reported a high chance of Tropical Cyclone Dianne forming off the north coast of Western Australia at approximately 8 PM on Friday. It is anticipated to make landfall as a category one cyclone around 2 AM on Saturday morning, impacting the Kimberley region.

Residents in Derby and West Kimberley areas have been alerted to prepare for strong wind gusts reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour. Sand and sandbags will be available for collection in Derby on Friday afternoon at the SES unit location at the corner of Sutherland Street and Derby Highway.

The tropical low, identified as 28U, is positioned approximately 280 kilometers north of Derby and has shown an increase in movement speed from 13 kilometers per hour to 17 kilometers per hour. Senior forecaster Luke Huntington emphasized that the system is expected to downgrade to a tropical low again by Saturday morning, being short-lived in nature.

Significant rainfall is forecast, with predictions of 100 to 150 millimeters on Friday, continuing through the weekend as the cyclone progresses inland towards Fitzroy Crossing. The affected area stretches from Troughton Island to Beagle Bay in the Dampier Peninsula, situated north of Broome.

In anticipation of severe weather, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has urged residents to remain vigilant against flash flooding risks and consider their travel plans. Superintendent Leon Gardiner cautioned against attempting to traverse flooded roadways, as the depth can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Remote coastal communities and offshore mining operations have activated their cyclone management plans, ensuring that personnel are prepared for the incoming weather system. Mining operations on Koolan Island have reported minimal disruptions, aside from a temporary halt in ship loading activities.

Some residents have welcomed the wet weather after prolonged dry spells, seeing it as beneficial for local agriculture. Community member Karen Rule explained that local preparations are underway to protect property from potential damage while hoping for beneficial rains that enhance river flows without causing harm.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dianne is expected to form off Western Australia and impact the Kimberley area this weekend, prompting officials to advise residents to prepare for severe weather conditions. Wind gusts and significant rainfall are expected, leading to potential flash flooding. Local communities and businesses are enacting their safety and operational plans to mitigate the effects of the approaching cyclone, while some residents welcome the forecasted rains.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au