Tropical Cyclone Errol Expected to Intensify Off Northwest WA Coast

Tropical Cyclone Errol, upgraded to category two, is expected to intensify to category three off Australia’s northwest coast. While it is not anticipated to make landfall within 48 hours, wind and severe weather warnings may be issued. This cyclone follows two previous ones impacting WA this season.

Tropical Cyclone Errol has formed off the northwest coast of Australia, having been upgraded to a category-two system early Wednesday. Meteorologists anticipate further intensification, potentially reaching category three by the following morning, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Meteorologist Helen Reid remarked on the expectations for the cyclone’s development over the coming days.

Cyclones are categorized based on their average maximum wind speed, with category one being the weakest and category five the strongest. Category two systems, such as Errol, exhibit destructive winds averaging 89–117 km/h, while category three cyclones can produce winds up to 159 km/h, classified as very destructive.

Although Errol is not expected to impact the WA coast within the next 48 hours, wind warnings could be issued as soon as Thursday morning for affected coastal and inland areas. Reid indicated the possibility of severe weather warnings due to heavy rainfall as well.

The cyclone is projected to change direction due to upper atmospheric dynamics, which could affect its intensification. Should Cyclone Errol make landfall, it would be the third cyclone to affect Western Australia this season, following Cyclone Dianne in late March and Cyclone Zelia in February, the latter reaching category four and causing significant damage to infrastructure.

Tropical Cyclone Errol is intensifying and is expected to reach category three status while moving towards the Australian mainland. Wind and severe weather warnings may be issued for the WA coast and surrounding areas. The cyclone’s trajectory will be influenced by upper atmospheric conditions, which may affect its development. If it makes landfall, it would add to the season’s previous cyclones that have impacted Western Australia.

Original Source: www.sbs.com.au