Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 8:45 am WST on Tuesday 11 February 2025

Headline:
Tropical low (18U) is developing as it moves south and is expected to impact the east Pilbara or west Kimberley coast later this week.

Areas Affected:
Warning Zone
None.

Watch Zone
Beagle Bay to Whim Creek, including Port Hedland and Broome

Cancelled Zone
Beagle Bay to Cape Leveque.

Details of Tropical Low 18U at 8:00 am AWST:
Intensity: Tropical Low, sustained winds near the centre of 45 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 75 kilometres of 15.8 degrees South 120.6 degrees East, estimated to be 295 kilometres northwest of Broome and 255 kilometres west northwest of Cape Leveque.

Movement: south southwest at 9 kilometres per hour.

A tropical low (18U), currently located to the northwest of Broome, is expected to move south and slowly develop over the next few days. There is still some uncertainty in the track and intensity of 18U however it seems more likely that 18U will now impact the east Pilbara or west Kimberley coast as a severe tropical cyclone later this week.

Hazards:
Gales with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 100 kilometres per hour may develop along the coast between Beagle Bay and Whim Creek later Wednesday or Thursday.

DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS of up to 140 kilometres per hour may develop between Bidyadanga and Port Hedland during Thursday as 18U moves closer to the coast.

Locally heavy falls may develop along the coast between Cape Leveque and Port Hedland during Wednesday or Thursday. The slow movement of the system as it approaches the coast may result in very high falls near the track. Refer to Flood Watch for further information.

Abnormally high tides are possible between Cape Leveque and Port Hedland on Wednesday but sea levels should not exceed the highest tide of the year. Higher tides may occur as the system nears the coast.

Recommended Action:
Ensure you know what to do in a cyclone. For the latest DFES community alerts and warnings visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or download the Emergency WA app.

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