The Department of fire and emergency services in Western Australia, has advised locals and travellers to start preparing for dangerous weather and to review plans over the Easter long weekend.
Roads and tracks around the Dampier Peninsula may become impassable or could close with little notice.
This is due to Cyclone Errol in the Southern Indian Ocean, now upgraded to an intensified Category 5 hurricane.
Wind speed is expected to reach about 160 mph, with a pressure of 919 mb.
Now at Category 4, the system is expected to move slowly south, to turn to the south-east during Thursday morning, taking it towards the west Kimberley coast.
Damaging wind of about 130 kilometres per hour, is expected to develop between Cockatoo Island and Beagle Bay on Friday, and then extend to Kuri Bay on Saturday morning, possibly extending southwards from Beagle Bay to Broome.
The Department asked motorists to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully. Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by visiting the Main Roads Travel Map, calling 138 138 or by contacting your Local Government Authority.
Some useful tips
– 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.
– Travellers, visitors, tourists and locals should monitor weather conditions and review their travel within the warning area.
– Ensure your emergency kit is complete and check your family knows what to do.
– Your emergency kit should include canned food and water to last five to seven days, a first aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio and spare batteries to listen to warnings.
– Know the cyclone warning levels and the steps that must be taken for each level.
– Monitor the Emergency WA www.emergency.wa.gov.au website.
– For more information on how to prepare visit emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare
Picture: Supplied