Severe tropical cyclone Damien approaches Western Australia
Severe tropical cyclone Damien, which is currently off the north coast of Western Australia, may intensify into a category 4 system before making landfall, the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology has said.
The cyclone is currently at category 3 with sustained winds of 120 km per hour near the centre. The current environment allows for it to continue to strengthen as it turns towards the coast, which could mean wind gusts of 230km an hour near the centre as it impacts the coast.
There is a tropical cyclone warning between Mardie and Wallal Downs, the areas where gales could develop over the next 24 hours.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Grace Legge said: “A cyclone watch is current from Onslow through the Pilbara Into Marble Bar – this is the area where gales could develop in the next 24-48 hours. These winds will be very destructive around the centre of the system as it deepens and crosses the coast during Saturday.”
She added that winds are not the only severe weather that Damien will bring with it: residents between Dampier and the Pardoo Roadhouse are being warned of very dangerous storm tides as the cyclone crosses the coast.
“Tides are expected to be significantly above normal high tide with damaging waves and dangerous flowing expected,” said Legge. “The system is also likely to bring heavy rainfall with it which could cause flooding for parts of the Pilbara and the Gascoyne as it tracks further inland over the weekend. Flood watches are in place for these districts.”
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