WA Weather: Dangerous tropical cyclone warning issued for massive stretch of coastline

A cyclone warning has been issued for a huge stretch of the State’s north west coast as a tropical low intensifies over the Kimberley.

Residents from Exmouth to Onslow have been urged to prepare for wind gusts this weekend of up to 120km/h, heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology advice advises that the low is heading west over the central Kimberley area, and is expected to move offshore on Friday.

Once offshore, it is expected to develop into a cyclone, track parallel to the Pilbara coast and then potentially turn towards the coast south of Exmouth.

Widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is possible in the area from late Friday.

The strongest gusts, up to 120km/h, were expected between Onslow and Port Hedland on Saturday.

The intensity was categorised as a Tropical Low because it was expected to cause sustained winds near the centre of 30km/h with wind gusts to 75km/h.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued has urged people between Onslow and Port Hedland to “prepare now”.

“Get ready for dangerous weather by preparing your home inside and out. Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, outdoor furniture, rainwater tanks, LPG bottles, loose material and rubbish around your home and workplace,” the advice read.

“Ensure your emergency kit is complete and check your family knows what to do. If you do not have a plan, make one now on Emergency WA or in the Emergency WA app.

“Your emergency kit should include canned food and water to last five to seven days, a first aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio and spare batteries to listen to warnings.

“Know the cyclone warning levels and the steps that must be taken for each level. Monitor the Emergency WA website.”

Further advice on how to prepare can be found here: emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare.