Ex-Tropical Cyclone Charlotte

KEY MESSAGES FOR MID-WEST REGION
THURSDAY 24MARCH – 11.45am

Given the reducing risk the system is posing, further updates will only be provided should the situation change significantly for the worse.

LATEST BOM WEATHER UPDATE

Intensity: tropical low, sustained winds near the centre of 55 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 45 kilometres of 19.8 degrees South, 107.4 degrees East , 740 kilometres west northwest of Exmouth and 860 kilometres northwest of Carnarvon.

Movement: west southwest at 8 kilometres per hour .

Ex-tropical cyclone Charlotte is expected to remain well off the coast.

While the system will not redevelop into a tropical cyclone, gales may occur in southern and western quadrants from Friday

The risk that the system tracks close enough to the WA coast to produce damaging winds has reduced significantly.

An increase in rainfall across the western half of WA is likely over the weekend as the system drags tropical moisture southwards. There is the chance of some heavy falls from rain and thunderstorms over the weekend in a broad area across western parts of WA.

Tides over much of the west coast will be higher than normal over the weekend.

MONITORING

  • DFES is monitoring the situation closely and commencing preparation operations, including liaising directly with Mid-West community members currently accommodated in State Recovery provided caravans.

PREPARATION MESSAGE

It is unlikely that the system will impact Mingenew, beyond bringing rainfall.

While many people are still living with the impact of Tropical Cyclone Seroja and rebuilding, we ask communities in the Midwest-Gascoyne region to remain calm but start to plan for the potential of bad weather. You can find more information on preparing here.

There are a few things you can do now:

  • Plan – Chat with your household, neighbours, or your local community recovery officers, about what you will do if a cyclone is forecast to impact you. Consider:
    • Where will you go?
    • How will you get there?
    • When will you go?
  • Clean up around your property
  • Stay informed and to help avoid misinformation please monitor the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest information about the tropical low.
  • Getting prepared can help manage your stress levels and wellbeing. Some tips from the Red Cross are to:
    • Ensure you have support around you – your community is there to help you.
    • Control your media exposure so you only get the information you need and do not get overwhelmed.
    • Include your children when talking about plans for your house and family – it will help them know what to do in an emergency and keep safe.

TARPS
The Insurance Council of Australia advises if a cyclone is forecast and you have a tarp on your roof, to:

  • Check if its secure, but only if it’s safe to do so
  • If it’s not secure, call your insurer to arrange an urgent repair.
  • If you can’t check if a tarp is secure, call your insurer to arrange an urgent inspection.

WELLBEING

  • The lingering impacts of Tropical Cyclone Seroja may cause some stress and anxiety throughout the Midwest-Gascoyne when hearing about the potential of a cyclone.
  • Dealing with events like this over the longer term can be stressful and emotionally and physically exhausting.
  • There is support available to help you look after yourself and your loved ones.
  • We encourage you to visit one of the Community Recovery Centres in Kalbarri, Northampton, Geraldton or Morawa to ask questions and seek support.
  • Alternatively, you can seek support by calling the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965.
  • Events like this can cause stress and anxiety; and this is normal. If you are struggling reach out to a friend or family member. There are also a range of mental health services available online and over the phone, they include:

MORE INFORMATION

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