The McGowan Government is encouraging communities in the North-West and Mid-West Gascoyne to ensure they are ready for the upcoming wet season.
With the 2022-23 wet season due to begin next month, Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson says now is the time to prepare for the impacts of tropical cyclones or lows.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) today released its outlook for the upcoming wet season and is predicting an above-average number of cyclones.
The BoM's forecast is tied to warmer ocean temperatures caused by a negative Indian Ocean Dipole and an active La Nina.
On average, Western Australia experiences five tropical cyclones each season. According to the BoM, this season there is a 70 per cent chance of an above average number of cyclones with the likelihood of two coastal impacts. There is also a significant risk of at least one severe tropical cyclone crossing the coast during the season.
The coastline between Broome and Exmouth is the most cyclone-prone region in the country.
Areas further south can also experience significant flooding as tropical cyclones de-escalate and move down the coast.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"These early weather warnings are not to be ignored. Listen to the advice of emergency services and ensure that you and your family and friends are ready to act well before the first cyclone arrives.
"We know the devastation these severe weather events can cause, and it's vital those in at-risk areas do everything they can now to be prepared. That means ensuring your property is well-maintained and you have a cyclone plan in place.
"For those who don't live in the North-West or Mid-West Gascoyne, make sure you understand the risks before you travel, particularly if you are going to be in a caravan.
"We are more resilient against cyclones when we all work together, so it's important the entire community takes the seasonal outlook seriously."
