WA:Cyclone warning for northwest WA coast

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2010
WA:Cyclone warning for northwest WA coast

PERTH, Dec 31 AAP - A cyclone warning has been issued for coastal communities in Western
Australia's northwest as a tropical low crosses the Kimberley region.

The low is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone on Saturday morning after moving
off the Kimberley coast overnight, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

A cyclone warning is in place for coastal and island communities from Wallal to Exmouth.

WA's Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) has issued a blue alert for people
living between Wallal and the Fortescue Roadhouse including Port Hedland, South Hedland,
Karratha, Roebourne, Wickham, Dampier and surrounding areas.

It advises residents and travellers to prepare for dangerous weather, to secure loose
material about properties and prepare emergency kits.

The Bureau of Meteorology said coastal areas of the west Kimberley between Cockatoo
Island and Wallal, including Broome, could expect strong and squally winds and heavy rain
overnight with flash flooding possible.

It said gales may develop along the Pilbara coast on Saturday for a brief period as
the system moved steadily west-southwest but it was not expected to bring flooding to
the region.

By Sunday the system was expected to be north of Exmouth and continuing to move west-southwest
further out over the Indian Ocean.

AAP ldj/jnb

KEYWORD: CYCLONE WA UPDATE

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