WA weather: Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina prompts emergency warning for Cambridge Gulf to north of Faraway Bay

An emergency warning is still in place for parts of WA as Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina closes in on the northwest Kimberley coast.

The category three cyclone is expected to hit land on Monday evening, with people in the area warned they are “in danger” and “need to act immediately”.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a fresh update about 6pm on Monday, confirming the cyclone was about 25km east north-east of Berkeley River mouth, and 135km east of Kalumburu, causing “very destructive winds”.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency warning for the Cambridge Gulf, to the north of Faraway Bay, warning locals are in danger and “need to act immediately”.

“The Bureau of Meteorology advised Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina, category 3, is nearing the northeast Kimberley coast near Berkeley River Mouth,” the warning reads.

“Fina’s very destructive core is forecast to move inland tonight and weaken.”

Fina is moving at about 6km/h in a south-westerly direction.

Winds near the centre of the cyclone are estimated to be 155km/h, with wind gusts reaching up to 220km/h.

Residents near the King George and Berkeley River Mouth’s are warned of very destructive wind gusts which could reach up to 185km/h before easing on Tuesday morning.

Intense rainfall — which may lead to flash flooding — is also developing around the northeast Kimberley coast.

People in the emergency warning zone have been told to follow the below:

• Shelter indoors now. It is too late to leave.
• Stay in the strongest, safest part of the building.
• Stay away from doors and windows, and keep them closed.
• Keep your emergency kit with you.
• Do not go out on the water while cyclone warnings are active as vessels can become overpowered, and rescues may not be immediately possible due to the dangerous weather.
• Stay indoors until Emergency Services advise it is safe to go outside.

Premier Roger Cook said the State Government was working with Kimberley communities ahead of considering any potential evacuations.

“Obviously we’re watching Cyclone Fina very closely as it makes its way away from Darwin towards the north west coast,” Mr Cook said.

“At this stage, no community has advised that they’re seeking evacuation.

“They’re used to these sort of weather events, but obviously we want to make sure that we have an opportunity to keep people safe, and we’ll do that.

“So ongoing work is being done to track the cyclone but also to work with those communities.”

A cyclone watch and act is also in place for west of Faraway Bay to east of Governor Islands, north of Oombulgurri and north western parts of Cambridge Gulf.

Residents in the watch and act area have been told “to take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone”.

“There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area,” a DFES spokesperson said.