DFES has completed emergency preparations for ex-tropical Cyclone Lincoln as residents in the Pilbara and Gascoyne are urged to brace for horrific weather.
State Emergency Service personnel from 11 Perth districts have been sent to Exmouth, Karratha and Geraldton amid fears ex-cyclone Lincoln will redevelop into a category two cyclone — bringing flooding, rainfall and damaging winds — as it travels down the WA coast.
The storm cell is currently off the Pilbara coast and is expected to transform into a cyclone as it tracks southwest towards the Pilbara coast over the coming days.
DFES commissioner Darren Klemm says residents within the blue cyclone alert area should make emergency preparations before the storm front hits.
“People in the Blue Alert area should be finalising their property preparation and emergency kits today — this includes securing loose items on your property and making sure you have extra food and water and essential items like a battery-operated radio.”
DFES has issued a blue alert spanning Mardie to Wooramel.
“It is likely that North West Coastal Highway will be impacted by flooding from Saturday, potentially in multiple locations resulting in road closures,” Mr Klemm said.
“People should reconsider travel to the area and those travelling in caravans must leave the area prior to a cyclone approaching for your own safety.
“Conditions on the coast will be very dangerous over the coming days – don’t risk your life and the lives of Marine Rescue volunteers by going out on the water.”
Around 30 extra emergency responders — including urban search and rescue crews — arrived in the Pilbara and Gascoyne on Thursday while another 20 will arrive on Friday.
Preliminary forecasts predict Lincoln will move from the Port Hedland Coast on Thursday before developing into a category two cyclone on Friday afternoon off the Karratha Coast.
The storm front is expected to move towards the Coral Bay area on Saturday before decreasing in intensity on Sunday.
Source Agencies
