Tropical Cyclone Errol has developed off the north-western coast of Western Australia, with meteorologists predicting its movement out to sea before it loops back towards the Kimberley region. As of 8pm local time last night, the Category 1 cyclone was located approximately 475 kilometres north-north-west of Broome.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that Errol will initially travel westward before making a significant U-turn and is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 cyclone by Thursday morning. Please refer to the Bureau’s tracking map for the latest updates on Cyclone Errol’s trajectory.
While it’s premature to make definitive forecasts regarding landfall, the cyclone’s outer winds are anticipated to impact a coastal stretch of around 400 kilometres, from just north of Broome extending to a little beyond Kuri Bay, by Friday night. However, it is projected that the cyclone will weaken back to a Category 1 classification by that time.
As it stands, the authorities have noted that Tropical Cyclone Errol is situated well north of Broome and is currently moving westward, with expectations to intensify throughout Wednesday. The cyclone is likely to shift southeast towards the coast starting Thursday, at which point a decrease in intensity is anticipated. Therefore, residents and those in the potential path of the cyclone should stay updated on the situation.