The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is encouraging communities in the North-West and Mid-West Gascoyne to ensure they are ready to deal with the approaching wet season.
In a statement, the Department said the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) had released its outlook for the wet season, predicting an above-average number of cyclones.
“The BoM’s forecast is tied to warmer ocean temperatures caused by a negative Indian Ocean Dipole and an active La Nina,” the Department said.
“On average, Western Australia experiences five tropical cyclones each season, but according to the BoM, this season there is a 70 per cent chance of an above-average number of cyclones with the likelihood of two coastal impacts.”
It said that while the coastline between Broome and Exmouth was the most cyclone-prone region in the country, areas further south could also experience significant flooding as tropical cyclones de-escalate and moved down the coast.
Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson said the early weather warnings were not to be ignored.
“Listen to the advice of emergency services and ensure that you and your family and friends are ready to act well before the first cyclone arrives,” Mr Dawson said.
“We know the devastation these severe weather events can cause, and it is vital those in at-risk areas do everything they can now to be prepared,” he said.
“That means ensuring their property is well maintained with a cyclone plan in place.”
Mr Dawson said that for those who did not live in the North-West or Mid-West Gascoyne, “make sure you understand the risks before you travel, particularly if you are going to be in a caravan”.
