Australia: Tropical Cyclone Blake to impact northern Western Australia state January 7-8

Event

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued an advisory at 08:45 (local time) on Tuesday, January 7, forecasting Tropical Cyclone Blake will impact the northern coast of Western Australia (WA) state from Tuesday, through Wednesday, January 8. The BoM expects Blake to bring gales to Bidyadnaga, and possibly extending to Sandfire and Wallal Downs, on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday. It also expects heavy rain in eastern Pilbara and southwestern Kimberley on Tuesday and Wednesday, along with possible thunderstorms. A flood warning was issued at 11:00 on Monday, January 6, for West Kimberley and Sandy Desert Regions.

As of 08:45 on Tuesday, Tropical Cyclone Blake is a weak Category 1 cyclone located at approximately 18.1°S 121.6°E (map here) with sustained winds near the center of 75 kph (47 mph) and wind gusts up to 100 kph (62 mph). The BoM confirmed that Blake is moving in a southwest direction at 12 kph (7 mph) and is forecast to track close to the west Kimberley coast near Wallal on Tuesday, before possibly intensifying if it moves far enough away from the coast.

Associated flooding, landslides, transportation and business disruptions are anticipated, as well as disruptions to power and communication services, in the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions and flight status before setting out, contact your airline for more information, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.