A TROPICAL low near Broome is threatening to become WA’s second cyclone of the season.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a notice warning the developing low, near the north Kimberley coast, had the potential to become a tropical cyclone tomorrow (Tuesday 11 February).
If the low turns into a cyclone it will be less than a month since Cyclone Sean threatened the north west coast before moving off shore.
A watch zone on Monday was issued from Cockatoo Island to De Grey, including Broome.
The system is forecast to move further southwest towards the Pilbara coast while further strengthening.
“Gales with damaging gusts to 100 kilometres per hour may develop near the Kimberley coast between Cape Leveque and Beagle Bay from Tuesday if the system moves further south than forecast,” the BOM advice said.
“These damaging wind gusts may extend further towards Broome and Bidyadanga during Tuesday afternoon and to De Grey on Tuesday night.”
“Locally heavy falls are possible near the Kimberley coast between Cape Leveque and Broome from Monday afternoon potentially becoming more widespread and shifting to the coast between Beagle Bay and De Grey during Tuesday.
On Monday morning BOM said the tropical low had sustained winds near the centre of 35 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.
On Monday it was 14.7 degrees south 122.2 degrees east, estimated to be 360 kilometres north northeast of Broome and 205 kilometres west northwest of Kuri Bay and moving west at 13 kilometres per hour.
“Abnormally high tides are possible from Monday between Kuri Bay and Cape Leveque, extending further south to Brome and Bidyadanga on Tuesday. The sea level should not exceed the highest tide of the year around the Kimberley coast.”
