Grey nomads in Western Australia’s Mid West – as well as other travellers and residents – are being warned to be ready as Tropical Cyclone Seroja threatens to make landfall this evening.
Evacuation centres have been opened as the cyclone, which is currently a category two system, moves closer.
Seroja is expected to bring damaging 155km/h winds, heavy rain, abnormally high tides, and coastal flooding, sparking fears dozens of homes are at risk of going under water.
Perth Now reports that residents from Carnarvon to Kalbarri are being urged to take action immediately, while residents in the low-lying areas of Denham could become inundated with water as the weather system approaches.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the cyclone could reach category-three severity before it makes landfall.
“Seroja is expected to intensify a little during Sunday, possibly reaching severe category-three intensity as it accelerates southeast towards the coast,” BOM said. “It is then forecast to weaken back to category two before it crosses the coast.
Bureau of Meteorology WA manager James Ashley told the ABC that it was rare for a cyclone to travel as far south as Denham and Geraldton.
“People in coastal paths — particularly in that Shark Bay, Kalbarri area — should prepare for the onset of a storm surge as the system crosses the coast, which is the piling up of water in the onshore flow associated with the system,” Mr Ashley said. “It can push the ocean across low-lying coastal areas and produce flooding issues.”
Mr Ashley said the worst conditions are expected to last for about three hours at any given location.
Perth Now reports that the cyclone should then weaken again as it moves inland on Monday but is still likely to be causing gusty winds.
There are several alerts in place including a yellow alert for people between Carnarvon and Kalbarri – not including Kalbarri town site.
“They need to take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone,” the bureau said.
Perth Now says a blue alert was issued for residents near Cape Cuvier and Lancelin, and inland areas within the Shires of Northampton including Chapman Valley, Morawa, Greater Geraldton, Mingenew, Three Springs, Perenjori and the towns of Mullewa, Coorow and Carnamah.
The BOM said locals “need to prepare for cyclonic weather”, which involves organising food and water supplies, an emergency first aid kit, and portable torches and radios.
