Western Australia’s first tropical cyclone of the summer has developed off the northern coast with heavy rain and strong winds to batter the Kimberley region.
The system could also bring some rain to fire-affected areas, including the blaze which has forced the closure of the Eyre Highway in the state’s east for several days.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Neil Bennett said the cyclone’s expected path would take it into WA’s southeast and close to the fires which continued to burn.
“We’re not particularly sure how much rain may fall on the fire zone nor are we sure how that will impact on fire operations,” Bennett said.
“(But) on Wednesday there is the likelihood of some thunderstorm activity and we expect to see some rainfall”.
Slow-moving Tropical Cyclone Blake is currently estimated to be 215 kilometres north of Broome and is likely to begin moving south, close to the Dampier Peninsula, on Monday afternoon or evening.
On Tuesday, the category one system is expected to move towards the southwest and may cross the coast near Wallal Downs, along Eighty Mile beach, late on Tuesday or early on Wednesday.
It could also intensify into a category two storm.
Destructive winds with gusts over 125km/h may develop early on Tuesday between Beagle Bay and Bidyadanga, including Broome, then extend southwards to Wallal Downs later on Tuesday.
Gales could extend into inland parts of the eastern Pilbara late on Tuesday or early on Wednesday, the BoM said.
Heavy rainfall is also expected over the western Kimberley and is likely to extend into the eastern Pilbara.
A blue alert has been issued for people between Kuri Bay and De Grey, including Broome but not Derby.
People need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency pack including a first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.
A flood watch has also been issued for the West Kimberley and Sandy Desert regions.
Bennett urged people not to take Blake lightly.
“This is a dangerous system. All tropical cyclones are dangerous,” he said.
