Tropical Cyclone Luana has passed over Western Australia’s Kimberley coast, with residents in the region being urged to prepare for heavy rain, strong winds and the possibility of flooding.
The system made landfall as a Category 2 system just after 2pm on Saturday along the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome and about 2000km north of Perth.
Tropical Cyclone Luana made landfall just after 2pm on Saturday. (Provided by: Japan Meteorological Agency)
Emergency warnings remain in place for residents of remote communities along the peninsula, with wind gusts of up to 125km/h recorded at the edge of the system.
Derby County Emergency Services staff prepare for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Luana. (ABC Kimberley: Dunja Karagić)
A flood warning has also been issued, with Luana forecast to see 150-200mm of rain across the West Kimberley over the next 24-48 hours.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jessica Lingard said wind gusts of 91km/h were recorded on Kulan Island.
She said Luana was running water down King Bay toward Derby.
Stormy weather began in Derby ahead of the arrival of Cyclone Luana. (ABC Kimberley: Dunja Karagić)
Ms Lingard said a spring tide was expected at around 5.30pm this afternoon, which could reach up to 11 meters in height and was likely to cause coastal flooding.
More than 70mm of rain fell in parts of the Dampier Peninsula.
While communities along the peninsula have been evacuated, residents of Derby, 200 kilometers east of Broome, are making final preparations.
Tameka Plummer, Rusty’s IGA manager, said there was a steady stream of people coming through the door to secure supplies.
Sandbags are being piled up in Derby as residents prepare for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Luana. (ABC Kimberley: Dunja Karagić)
“As soon as we opened the door, people were coming forward to get all the last necessities,” she said.
“Bread, eggs, toilet paper, it’s on the pallet.”
She said Derby West Kimberley’s decision to open evacuation centers and provide sandbags across the town added to the seriousness of the situation, despite a casual reaction from some locals.
Additional resources sent to Derby
DFES Kimberley manager Leon Gardiner said Tropical Cyclone Luana was expected to weaken to a Category 1 status heading into the derby.
Leon Gardiner said a large emergency service was on standby to assist in the aftermath of the crash. (ABC News: Maia Coldich)
However, additional resources are still being sent to the town and Mr Gardiner said those living next to Derby’s wetlands should be careful.
“Water levels should exceed the astronomical high water mark that people are used to seeing in Derby,” he said.
“Debris could begin to move, causing trees to fall and cause damage to structures.”
Mr Gardiner said a large emergency service was on standby to assist in the aftermath of the crash.
“I’m going to get to work first thing tomorrow morning,” he said.
visit Emergency WAcall DFES on 133 337, download the Emergency WA app or listen to the following message: ABC Kimberley To stay up to date.
The landfall of Tropical Cyclone Luana has already brought significant amounts of rain to the Jaringin region. (Supplied)