Locals on alert with Cyclone Errol to hit the WA coastline over the Easter weekend

Residents are on alert with Cyclone Errol expected to cross the Australian coastline on Friday afternoon, bringing wind gusts of up to 140km.

Residents on the Kimberley coast in northern Western Australia are being warned to stay indoors and prepare for potential flash flooding, with Cyclone Errol expected to make landfall on Friday afternoon.

The cyclone was upgraded to a Category four system after making an abrupt change of direction towards the north of the West Australian coast on Thursday morning, but has since been downgraded to a category one storm as it approaches the Australian coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned about 8am local time on Friday that the storm was about 130km west of Kuri Bay and 200km north of Derby, with sustained winds near the centre of 65km and wind gusts up to 95km.

The storm is expected to weaken to below tropical cyclone strength on Friday before crossing the west Kimberley coast just south of Kuri Bay that afternoon, according to the Bureau, with rainfall already being reported near Cape Leveque and Cockatoo Island.

Those rains are expected to increase and extend east and south ahead of the storm, which is currently moving at 21km per hour.

Cyclone Errol is expected to make landfall on Friday. Picture: BOM

The threat level from Broome to Kimbolton was also reduced “as there is no longer a cyclone risk to that area”.

Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned those in the storm’s path to be prepared to stay indoors when the severe weather hits.

“Strong winds and heavy rainfall may be experienced prior to the cyclone making landfall,” the agency said.

Residents were also warned to be prepared for flash flooding, obey road closures, and to not drive, ride, swim, or play in the floodwaters.

“Travellers, visitors, and tourists should stay informed and reassess their travel plans,” WA DFES added.

The cyclone is expected to bring destructive wind gusts. Picture: Weatherzone

In an earlier report, released just before 3am local time, the Bureau said Cyclone Errol was 295km north west of Broome, causing wind gusts of up to 140km.

It is moving at 14km and expected to hit the top of the Dampier Peninsula on Friday afternoon, and weaken as it crosses the coast in the evening, most likely between Cape Leveque and Cockatoo Island, north of Derby.

Senior meteorologist Angus Hines said on Thursday Errol was likely to weaken on Friday but was still expected to bring strong or damaging winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms through to Saturday.

According to the Bureau, wind gusts could extend southward from Beagle Bay to Broome if the track shifts slightly south of its current forecast.

Destructive gusts of up to 130km may develop between Cockatoo Island and Beagle Bay on Friday afternoon, but only if Errol moves faster than forecast.

Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines said while Cyclone Errol is likely to drop down through the category numbers on Friday, it’s still expected to bring strong to damaging winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms from Friday afternoon. Picture: NewsWire/ Glenn Campbell

Isolated heavy rainfall is also expected between Kuri Bay and Broome on Friday and could persist into Saturday morning as Errol moves closer to and crosses the west Kimberley coast.

“Communities throughout northern Western Australia should stay up to date with this one, including the forecast track and the warning for Tropical Cyclone Errol,” Mr Hines said.

“There certainly still could be some updates or changes around the expected time or arrival location.”

This is the 11th tropical cyclone in the Australian region so far this season, making this the most active tropical cyclone season in the area in six years.

Cyclone Errol will hit landfall as people in New South Wales and Queensland continue to feel the impact of Cyclone Alfred. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

It comes as communities across New South Wales and Queensland continue to deal with the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which destroyed thousands of homes and left thousands without power for several days.

Originally published as Locals on alert with Cyclone Errol to hit the WA coastline over the Easter weekend