Ex-tropical cyclone Narelle: Severe weather warning and cyclone advice alert issued for WA’s north coast

A severe weather warning has been issued for parts of the Western Australian coast as heavy rainfall, flash flooding and damaging winds are expected as former tropical cyclone Narelle moves westward.

Narelle will likely cross the Kimberley coast north of Wyndham this evening and continue its west-southwest orbit “as a deep tropical low” towards the northwest Kimberley coast on Tuesday morning.

Heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding is predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology at the center of the storm, with very large numbers expected.

A drop of between 80 and 100 millimeters may occur, reaching up to 140 mm in some areas.

Damaging winds of up to 65-75 kilometers per hour, including gusts of 90 kilometers per hour, are possible for the area east of the Mitchell Plateau, according to the BOM.

SAFETY ADVICE

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises people to:

• If you’re outdoors, find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm drains and streams.
• Close your curtains and blinds and stay away from windows.
• In the event of lightning, unplug electrical appliances and do not use landline phones.
• If you are boating, swimming or surfing, leave the water.
• Be careful and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
• Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
• Watch out for fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
• Watch out for downed power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as if they were alive.
• Assess your home, car, and property for damage.
• If damage has occurred, take photographs and contact your insurance company to organize permanent repairs.
• If there is serious damage to your home or property, such as a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.

Updates will be available at: Bureau of Meteorology websiteor on TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210.

The former tropical cyclone has also triggered advisories along the north-west coast, with a warning issued for the area between Kuri Bay and Beagle Bay on Monday afternoon, as well as the Wallal Downs west of Hedland Harbour.

Emergency WA warned people should start preparing for hazardous weather conditions in the coming hours.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO

• Travelers, visitors and tourists should leave the warning area.
• Review your plan and home maintenance and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do. If you don’t have a plan, make it now Emergency WA or Emergency WA app.
• Check that your emergency kit includes important items like a first aid kit and an AM/FM radio with dead batteries.
• Learn about the tornado warning system and the steps to take for each level.
• Watch this: Emergency WA website.
• Remember that it is your responsibility to prepare your home and property.
• For more information on how to prepare for a visit emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare.