Emergency Alert Issued for Category Three Cyclone in Australia
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On January 20, a tropical cyclone off the northwest coast of Western Australia was upgraded to a category three storm by the Bureau of Meteorology. Residents were urged to seek shelter as the cyclone poses substantial risks to lives and properties.
Key Takeaways
- Tropical Cyclone Sean has been upgraded to category three.
- Wind speeds could reach 185 km/h.
- Residents along Pilbara Coast are advised to shelter indoors.
- Potential for flash flooding due to heavy rainfall.
- Cyclone expected to move into the Indian Ocean later today.
Canberra, Jan 20 (NationPress) A tropical cyclone impacting the northwest coast of Western Australia (WA) has been elevated to a category three storm, as reported by Australia's national weather authority on Monday.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) upgraded Tropical Cyclone Sean from a category two system, indicating wind speeds reaching up to 185 km per hour, according to Xinhua news agency.
Authorities have instructed residents in towns along WA's northwest Pilbara Coast, situated over 1,000 km north of Perth, to seek shelter indoors, as the cyclone presents an immediate threat to lives and property.
"You are in danger and need to act immediately," warned an emergency alert issued by the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Residents are urged to remain in the sturdiest part of buildings and to avoid windows and doors.
The cyclone originated off the Pilbara Coast on Sunday as a category one storm, bringing heavy rainfall and widespread thunderstorms to the area.
The BoM indicated that heavy local rainfall could lead to flash flooding.
"People residing in areas susceptible to flooding should take protective measures for their properties and be ready to assist their neighbors," the bureau stated.
It is anticipated that the cyclone will shift southwest and move away from the coast into the Indian Ocean later on Monday.
