Communities bracing for 'cyclonic weather'

Coastal Western Australia communities have been told to brace for "cyclonic weather" today as heavy rain and gusty winds could develop into a tropical cyclone.

The Bureau of Meterology (BoM) issued a warning for towns near Karratha this morning, as the tropical low moves over land towards the state's west.

People in or near communities between De Grey and Giralia, as well as those in Port Hedland, Karratha, Dampier and Onslow have been urged to organise an emergency kit which includes first aid supplies, a torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.

While communities between Giralia and North West Cape, including Exmouth, should be on alert and listen for the next advice.

"The tropical low is over land and moving towards the west, taking it closer to the Pilbara coast," the BoM stated on its website.

"It may move offshore late today or during Tuesday and develop into a tropical cyclone.

"There remains the possibility that the system tracks further south, remains over land and does not intensify into a tropical cyclone. This would significantly decrease the chance of gales in coastal communities."

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Heavy rainfall is expected to bucket down in central and eastern Pilbara today, with flood warnings in place.

Gale force winds up to 100km/h could sweep coastal areas between De Grey and Dampier, including Port Hedland and Karratha, later today.

The winds may then extend west, past Dampier, to Onslow and Exmouth tomorrow, if the system moves over the ocean.

Destructive winds with gusts to 130 km/h are possible on North West Cape late tomorrow or Wednesday, if the system tracks off the coast and intensifies.

People who need SES assistance can call 132 500 or if they are in a life-threatening situation they should call triple-zero.

Here's your state-by-state weather forecast for Monday February 1, 2021:

New South Wales and the ACT

Sydney will be cloudy with a medium chance of showers most likely later this evening.

A top of 27 degrees has been forecast, with light winds becoming northeasterly breezing through the city.

While in Canberra, there is a very high chance of showers and a thunderstorm late this afternoon and evening.

A maximum of 29 degrees is expected in the Capital.

Victoria

A top of 24 degrees is forecast for Melbourne today, with a slight chance of showers in the evening.

The city will be partly cloudy with northerly winds up to 20km/h becoming light in the middle of the day.

Queensland

Brisbane is expected to be partly cloudy today, with a medium chance of showers later tonight.

A top of 29 degrees has been forecast, with east and southeasterly winds up to 25km/h to sweep through the city during the day before easing in the evening.

The BoM has also stated tropical cyclone Lucas, which formed in the Coral Sea, east of the Cape York Peninsula, was moving away from the Queensland coast.

South Australia

A sunny, yet partly cloudy day is forecast for Adelaide, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 26 degrees.

Fire danger in metropolitan Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges has been labelled as high.

Western Australia

Perth's heatwave will continue today, with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees.

There will be easterly winds up to 40km/h in the morning, decreasing to 35 km/h in the middle of the day. Gusts up to 80 km/h are possible in Perth Hills in the morning.

Fire danger has been labelled as 'severe', while communities in the state's west have been told to brace for "cyclonic weather".

Tasmania

A partly cloudy day is forecast for Hobart, with a mild 24 degrees expected in the city.

There is a slight chance of showers late this afternoon and evening.

While a cooler 22 degrees is expected in Launceston, with a medium chance of showers during the morning and afternoon.

Northern Territory

Wet weather will soak Darwin today, with rain and a chance of a thunderstorm on the radar today.

Despite the downpour, the city will be a balmy 29 degrees.

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