Tropical Cyclone Luana crosses Western Australia's Kimberley coast

Western Australia’s Kimberley coast is bracing for significant weather as Tropical Cyclone Luana made landfall Saturday afternoon. Residents have been urged to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding as the system moves inland.

Cyclone Luana Lands in Western Australia

The cyclone crossed the coast as a category two system along the Dampier Peninsula, approximately 2,000 kilometers north of Perth, just after 2:00 PM on Saturday. An emergency warning is currently in effect for remote communities along the peninsula.

Did You Know? The Dampier Peninsula is located north of Broome, where the cyclone first made landfall.

Wind gusts of up to 125km/h have been recorded at the edge of the system, and forecasters anticipate further intensification as the cyclone moves inland. More than 70mm of rain has already fallen in parts of the Dampier Peninsula, with 150–200mm expected across the West Kimberley over the next 24–48 hours.

Storm Surge Concerns

The Bureau of Meteorology has highlighted the potential for dangerous storm surges, particularly as the cyclone approaches Derby. Angelique Prasad, a duty forecaster with the Bureau, noted that King Sound is experiencing north-westerly winds and unusually high tides, reaching up to 11 metres around Derby Saturday evening. The cyclone is expected to move into Derby with the incoming tide, exacerbating the risk.

Expert Insight: The combination of high tides and the cyclone’s arrival presents a heightened risk of coastal inundation, potentially impacting infrastructure and communities near Derby.

Residents in Derby, located 200km east of Broome, are making final preparations. Tameka Plummer, manager of Rusty’s IGA, reported a surge in customers purchasing essential supplies like bread, eggs, and toilet paper. The Shire of Derby-West Kimberley has opened an evacuation centre and is distributing sandbags, signaling the seriousness of the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of Tropical Cyclone Luana?

Tropical Cyclone Luana has made landfall as a category two system along the Dampier Peninsula, north of Broome, just after 2:00 PM on Saturday.

What areas are under emergency warning?

An emergency warning is in place for residents of remote communities along the Dampier Peninsula.

What are the expected rainfall totals?

Luana is expected to bring 150–200mm of rain across the West Kimberley over the next 24–48 hours.

As the cyclone progresses inland, conditions could deteriorate further, potentially leading to widespread flooding and disruptions. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, including Emergency WA, DFES on 133 337, the Emergency WA app, and ABC Kimberley.

Tropical Cyclone Luana crosses Western Australia’s Kimberley coast