DFES warns Mid West/Gascoyne after Bureau of Meteorology forecasts category three cyclone as wet season nears

WA is set to cop more tropical cyclones than usual this wet season, with two likely to batter the coast, one of which could rival devastating Seroja in intensity. The State Government is urging North West and Mid West-Gascoyne communities to ensure preparedness this wet season beginning next month. According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s outlook released on Monday, WA has a 70 per cent chance of having more tropical cyclones than the usual five over the coming season, which typically runs from November 1 to April 30. BoM State manager James Ashley said cyclones were expected earlier than usual amid warmer ocean temperatures caused by an active La Nina and a negative Indian Ocean Dipole. “While every cyclone is different and every season is different, this year we’re expecting two tropical cyclones to impact the coast, one of them will be severe — category three or more.” A category three cyclone’s strongest winds are “very destructive”, with gusts of up to 224 km/h — the same category as cyclone Seroja in April — affecting thousands of dwellings in Kalbarri and Northampton. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said now was the time to prepare for the impacts of tropical cyclones or lows. “We know the devastation these severe weather events can cause, and it’s vital those in at-risk areas do everything they can now to be prepared. That means ensuring your property is well-maintained and you have a cyclone plan in place,” he said. “Ensure that you and your family and friends are ready to act well before the first cyclone arrives.”