Kimberley residents warned to prepare now as tropical low likely to cross coast as category-one cyclone

A tropical low 350km off the Kimberley coast is forecast to strengthen into a category-one cyclone as it crosses the coastline on Saturday morning.

The tropical low has winds near its centre of 55km/h and wind gusts of up to 85km/h.

On Thursday night, it was 440km north-northwest of Derby and is moving east-north-east.

It is expected to turn towards the WA coast in the next day before making landfall as a category-one cyclone between Kuri Bay and Beagle Bay early on Saturday.

Residents near the area should expect damaging wind gusts of up to 100km/h during Friday evening and Saturday morning as well as heavy rain and flash flooding.

A flood and cyclone advice warning has been issued for parts of the Kimberley, with those in the area warned to start preparing for extreme weather.

“Although there is no immediate danger, you need to start preparing for dangerous weather and keep up to date,” it reads.

“Review your cyclone plan and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do.

“Ensure your emergency kit is complete. It should include canned food and water to last five to seven days, a first-aid kit, medication, cash and an AM/FM battery-operated radio and spare batteries to listen to warnings.

“Get ready for dangerous weather by preparing your home inside and out. Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, outdoor furniture, rainwater tanks, LPG bottles, loose material and rubbish around your home and workplace.”