WA Cyclone & Flood Alert: 700mm Rain Threatens State

Australians have been warned to prepare for severe weather as Tropical Cyclone Hayley forms off the Western Australian coast and Queensland braces for up to 700mm of rain.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley Forms Off WA Coast

Tropical Cyclone Hayley is currently a category one system located 535km north-west of Broome, and is projected to strengthen to a category two system by Monday afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a watch zone from Broome to Cockatoo Island, with the Kimberley coast expected to experience wild weather by Wednesday or Thursday.

Queensland Braces for Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

Queensland is preparing for flash flooding with weather warnings in place for heavy and locally intense rainfall across much of the state, extending from Mackay to Cairns, the far west, and towards Gulf Country. A monsoon trough extending across the northwest contains a low-pressure system southeast of Burketown, which is expected to strengthen as it tracks south-southeast.

More than 300mm of rain is expected in western Queensland on Wednesday, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 600mm. Four-day rainfall totals are forecast to exceed 700mm along the northeast tropical coast, particularly around Cairns.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Jonathan How warned of severe impacts. “With heavy rain leading to flash and riverine flooding that will pose a risk to property and life so make sure you follow all the advice from your local authorities,” he said. “Additionally, heavy rainfall will lead to road closures and community isolation, and this could last for quite some period of time, especially for outback and more remote communities.”

How also noted potential impacts to agriculture, particularly for cattle and livestock, due to low temperatures and prolonged floodwaters.

Locations potentially affected include Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Burketown, Mornington Island, Normanton, Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, Doomadgee, Richmond, Julia Creek, Camooweal, Ingham, and Croydon.

The Bureau of Meteorology will have a clearer understanding of the monsoon low and trough’s movement later this week. A separate severe thunderstorm warning will be issued if dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

The cyclone is expected to hit the tourist town of Broome, WA, on either Tuesday night or New Year’s Eve. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, it could bring damaging winds of up to 140km/h, heavy rainfall, higher tides, and potential flash flooding. Senior forecaster Luke Huntington said the cyclone could weaken before making landfall, depending on its strength offshore.

Residents are advised to park cars undercover, secure doors and windows, keep asthma medication readily available, and charge mobile devices. Authorities warn against unnecessary travel due to dangerous conditions.

Residents in South Australia have also been warned to be vigilant ahead of a day of hot and very dry conditions. An extreme fire danger warning has been issued for the Eastern Eyre Peninsula and the Mount Lofty Ranges, with conditions expected to be monitored in the coming days. Residents are encouraged to check the Bureau of Meteorology website or call 1300 659 210 for updates.