CYCLONE BLUE ALERT FOR CAPE LEVEQUE TO BROOME

Credit: BOM

Residents and holiday-makers in Western Australia's north have been put on Cyclone BLUE ALERT for Cape Leveque to Broome, not including Broome, in the Kimberley.

The tropical low developing slowly off the Kimberley coast is expected to reach a category one system by 12 o clock today and the Bureau of Meteorology says it will name it ‘Tropical Cyclone Ilsa’ once this happens. 

It is expected to develop into a category four system by Thursday morning and may cross the coastline around the 80-mile beach between the Port Hedland and Broome area by Thursday evening. 

Meteorologist Jessica Lingard warns people to start preparing now.

“We could see strong wind gusts around 280km an hour, so very strong,” she said.

DFES spokesperson said to review your family cyclone plan and make sure everyone knows what to do.

“If you live between Broome and Port Hedland you need to prepare your home and family for a possible cyclone, with the development of a Tropical Low off the Western Australian coast,” DFES spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, people in parts of the Kimberley, De Grey and Sandy Desert Districts should prepare for possible flooding over the coming days.

DFES advises people and communities in those parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara to be aware that flooding is possible and be prepared to relocate equipment and livestock.