Tropical Cyclone Errol Forecast: Potential Category Three System
Tropical Cyclone Errol has formed off the northern coast of Western Australia and is expected to become a category three system by Thursday morning. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of potential movement towards the Kimberley coast, urging local residents to stay informed and prepared for severe weather conditions.
Tropical Cyclone Errol has emerged off the northern coast of Western Australia, with expectations to escalate to a category three system by Thursday morning. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, this cyclone may shift back towards the Kimberley coast, although the forecast remains uncertain.
Residents in the West Kimberley region, including Broome, are advised to monitor updates regarding Tropical Cyclone Errol. The system, categorized as one when it formed on Tuesday night, was situated 475 kilometers north-northwest of Broome at 9:00 PM WST, featuring sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts reaching up to 95 kph.
Current projections indicate Cyclone Errol may reach a category two by Wednesday night, intensifying into a category three by Thursday. It is anticipated that the cyclone will turn southeast, potentially weakening as it approaches the coast.
Bureau meteorologist Jessica Lingard indicated the system could strengthen soon: “It will move up pretty quickly through the severity to a category three by Thursday before making a bit of a U-turn and turning back towards the coastline.” Despite this upgrade, Ms. Lingard noted uncertainty around the cyclone’s impact on coastal areas, emphasizing, “It will be moving into unfavourable waters and weakening as it does get closer.”
In preparation for the anticipated weather conditions, Kimberley Superintendent Leon Gardiner from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services urged residents to be ready for potential wet and windy weather. He stated, “The key thing is to stay informed and make sure that you’re prepared for the onset of severe weather.”
Superintendent Gardiner also stressed the importance of being equipped with sufficient provisions should travel be necessary. Residents are encouraged to prepare their properties by securing loose items and tidying up debris, and campers should have contingency plans in place to ensure safety.
Last month, Tropical Cyclone Dianne impacted the Kimberley coast near Cockatoo Island, demonstrating the region’s vulnerability to severe weather events and flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Errol, having formed off the northern coast of Western Australia, is projected to intensify to category three. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and prepare for severe weather. Despite initial strengthening forecasts, the cyclone may lose intensity as it approaches the coastline, emphasizing the need for community awareness and preparedness.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
