Australia: Tropical cyclone strikes Western Australia Feb. 18 /update 1

Event

Tropical Cyclone Kelvin, a Category 2 tropical low system, is forecast to continue to move inland across far west Kimberley and eastern Pilbara regions of Western Australia on Sunday, February 2018, having made landfall at 08:00 (local time). The weather system has brought with it heavy rains and destructive winds of 110kmph (68 mph) at its center and gusts of up to 155 kmph (96mph). According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the storm will ease overnight on Sunday and into Monday as it tracks south-east.

Destructive wind warnings have been issued for western Kimberley and far eastern Pilbara, with gales likely into far northwest Northern Interior District, while flood warnings remain in place for North Kimberley, Sandy Desert, West Kimberley, and the De Grey River and Salt Lake District Rivers. 

Context

The Australian cyclone season typically lasts from November to April.

Advice

Individuals present in Western Australia are advised to monitor local weather reports, remain abreast of current weather warnings at the Australian Government's Bureau of Meteorology, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.