The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a severe cyclone emergency warning for parts of Western Australia, declaring that lives and homes are in immediate danger from an approaching intense weather system.
Cyclone Fina Intensifies to Category 4
Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina is forecast to make landfall on the northern WA coast on Monday morning, tracking southwest across the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. The system intensified to a dangerous Category 4 intensity as it approached the north-east Kimberley coast. Meteorologists predict it will weaken to a Category 3 system by 5pm on Monday.
Residents are facing extreme wind conditions, with speeds near the cyclone's centre reaching 185km/hr and destructive wind gusts of up to 260km/hr. The destructive core of the cyclone is expected to cross the coast between the King George River mouth and the Berkeley River mouth.
Widespread Warnings and Impacts
Bureau of Meteorologist Jessica Lingard confirmed the severity of the approaching system. "The system is expected to bring very strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous sea conditions," she said. A hurricane-force wind warning is active for the North Kimberley Coast, with strong wind warnings also issued for the Ningaloo, Gascoyne, Leeuwin, and Eucla Coasts for Monday and Tuesday.
While the north braces for the cyclone's impact, the Perth metropolitan area is experiencing a wet and gloomy Monday. The city is expecting grey skies and drizzle, with an estimated 3mm of rainfall in the CBD. Winds in the Perth region are forecast to reach 21km/hr, with gusts of 35km/hr.
Aftermath in the Northern Territory and Urgent Safety Instructions
Cyclone Fina has already left a trail of damage in the Northern Territory on Sunday. Darwin airport recorded 157mm of rain, while Middle Point, southwest of the city, was deluged with a massive 393mm. The storm caused widespread power outages, affecting 19,500 homes and businesses. Fallen powerlines, debris, and uprooted trees led to road closures and property damage, though no injuries have been reported.
The DFES cyclone emergency warning is specifically for residents in WA living between Cambridge Gulf and north of Berkeley River Lodge. Individuals in the threatened area are urged to take the following actions immediately:
- 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 as rescues may not be possible.
- Stay indoors until Emergency Services advise it is safe to go outside.
