Australia: Tropical Cyclone Lincoln tracking southward near northwestern Western Australia evening Feb. 24 /update 3

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln has re-developed in the Indian Ocean and is tracking southward near northwestern Western Australia the evening of Feb. 24. As of 17:00 AWST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 104 km (64 miles) west of Learmonth.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will maintain its strength as it continues southward, just to the west of the Exmouth-Ningaloo area before making landfall over far western Western Australia over the Gascoyne coast between Coral Bay and Cape Cuvier late Feb. 24. After landfall, the storm is likely to weaken rapidly as it tracks south-southeastward across western Western Australia before dissipating near Shark Bay the afternoon of Feb. 25. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; changes could occur in the coming days.

As of the afternoon of Feb. 24, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has rescinded all cyclone watches and warnings but has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds in parts of Gascoyne and Central West districts. Winds gusting up to 90 kph (56 mph) may develop over coastal areas of the Gascoyne and northern Central West districts through early Feb. 25. Heavy rainfall is likely near and to the east of the storm's path, over western parts of the Gascoyne and northern Central West districts through the evening of Feb. 25. A flood watch is in place for parts of Pilbara, Gascoyne coast, and Central West District rivers.

Authorities have opened emergency shelters in Carnarvon Civic Centre and Exmouth Shire Hall in advance of the storm. The North West Coastal Highway has been reopened following closures between Carnarvon Road and Nanutarra Roadhouse and between Kalbarri-Ajana East Road and Carnarvon Road.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.