Australia Weather News

Residents and visitors in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions are being urged to prepare for dangerous weather this weekend, as the state's first cyclone of the season approaches.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is predicting a tropical low will develop into a category two cyclone, to be named Lucas, tomorrow.

Senior Meteorologist Luke Huntington said the most destructive weather will likely occur this Saturday.

"Being a category two, there is potential for those wind gusts to reach up to 140 kilometres per hour, close to the system's centre as it does cross on Saturday," Mr Huntington said.

"That would be the period where the most destructive winds will most likely occur and also there's a risk of heavy rainfall associated with the system as well of up to 400 millimetres."

It was earlier feared Lucas could develop into a category three cyclone.

A blue alert is current for people from Bidyadanga to Whim Creek in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

This means there is no immediate danger, but residents are being urged to start preparing for dangerous weather and to keep up to date.

Cyclone Joshua, which formed last Saturday, was the first system in the western region but it stayed offshore in the Indian Ocean, near the Cocos Islands.

Residents urged to prepare

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises residents to get ready for dangerous weather by preparing their homes inside and out.

DFES advises:

  • Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, outdoor furniture, rainwater tanks, LPG bottles, loose material and rubbish around homes and workplaces
  • Ensure your emergency kit and relocation kit are complete and check your family knows what to do
  • Check in with friends and neighbours to make sure they’re preparing too
  • The last severe cyclone to impact the Pilbara was Tropical Cyclone Damien in February last year.

    It brought flooding rains and gale force winds to the region, causing damage to property, vegetation and Karratha Airport.

    ABC