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Residents in Australia’s far north west are being told to to prepare to take shelter indoors as Tropical Cyclone Hayley intensifies as it approaches land.
The system is expected to reach peak strength as a category four storm while moving towards Western Australia’s northern Dampier Peninsula, with wind gusts up to 230 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Hayley is forecast to make landfall on Tuesday night, with residents in Beagle Bay, Cockatoo Island and Derby being told it’s no longer safe to leave.
Emergency WA has issued an alert warning of a looming cyclone that poses a potential threat to both lives and homes in the area. Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions as the storm approaches.
Residents living in caravans or older homes have been urged to move to their nearest evacuation centre or another safer location.
“If you live across the Kimberley area, now is the time to start thinking about preparing your tropical cyclone kit,” meteorologist Sarah Scully said.
The system is expected to become a category three storm once it hits landfall, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning it should start to weaken on Tuesday.
The northern Dampier Peninsula is bracing for extremely damaging winds that could reach speeds of up to 170 km/h. In addition to the fierce winds, a heavy rainfall warning is in effect, with the possibility of flash flooding affecting parts of the region.
Residents should prepare their emergency kits with enough canned food and water to last a week, along with a first-aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio to listen for warnings.
An evacuation centre was open at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre for those in the warning area, the department advised.
For those choosing to remain at home, it is advised to secure any loose outdoor items, move vehicles to sheltered areas, and fasten cyclone shutters to minimize damage. Residents should also ensure the safety of their pets during this severe weather event.
Across the country, communities in Queensland are continuing to withstand heavy monsoon rain and flash flooding.
The bureau warned that parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts, could see intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.
The bureau warned six-hourly rainfall totals of up to 150mm was possible on Tuesday, although the rain forecast could drop below severe levels later in the day.
Farmers have been warned the extreme weather could pose a risk to cattle and other livestock.
