Severe Tropical Cyclone Errol Expected to Weaken Before Landfall in WA

Severe Tropical Cyclone Errol reached category 4 but is expected to weaken to category 1 or a tropical low before landfall in WA. The cyclone will bring heavy rain and potentially damaging winds to the Kimberley region over the weekend, marking the eighth severe cyclone this season—the highest count in 19 years.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Errol, which recently intensified to category 4 strength, is predicted to weaken before its anticipated landfall in Western Australia (WA) this weekend. The cyclone escalated from category 1 to category 4 within 24 hours, demonstrating significant rapid intensification, and by 2 AM AWST on Thursday, it was situated approximately 510 km northwest of Broome.

On Wednesday night into Thursday morning, Cyclone Errol altered its trajectory, veering sharply to the left. This shift has placed it within a less favorable atmospheric environment, prompting expectations of rapid weakening as it approaches the coast. The Bureau of Meteorology’s track map indicated that the cyclone would diminish significantly as it nears the Kimberley coast on Thursday and Friday.

Current forecasts suggest that Cyclone Errol may make landfall as a category 1 tropical cyclone or a tropical low by late Friday or early Saturday. Even with its weakening status, the cyclone is still projected to produce substantial rainfall in parts of the Kimberley region during the weekend, while potentially generating damaging winds, particularly between Kuri Bay and Beagle Bay.

Cyclone Errol marks the eighth severe tropical cyclone in Australian regions so far this season, indicating the highest recorded instances of severe tropical cyclones within a single season in 19 years.

In conclusion, Severe Tropical Cyclone Errol is anticipated to weaken prior to landfall in Western Australia, changing from a category 4 to a category 1 or lower by the weekend. Despite the weakening, significant rain and potentially damaging winds are expected to impact the Kimberley region, making it crucial for residents to remain vigilant. Errol’s occurrence signifies an unusually high number of severe cyclones this season, reflecting a notable trend in tropical weather patterns.

Original Source: www.weatherzone.com.au