Heavy rains and strong winds forecast for Kalbarri tonight has cyclone-affected residents concerned

Kalbarri residents — many of whom are still without a roof over their head a — have been bracing themselves for strong winds and rainfall forecast for tonight.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said the weather was due to a deep low pressure system off shore, with gusts of 40-50km/h expected across the Shire of Northampton later tonight.

Other strong winds included 89km/hr at North Island in the Abrolhos islands, 78km/hr at Geraldton Airport.

The spokesperson said BOM had received reports from some residents who had lost tarps to winds earlier today, advising locals in Kalbarri, Northampton and other areas north of Geraldton to do their best to secure their homes before the next rainfall this evening.

“Pretty much everywhere is going to see rain…about 5-10ml for most areas and you wouldn’t really want that kind of water coming into the house,” he said.

“In Chapman valley, Northampton and Kalbarri, it will be rain increasing and it will be heavier rain than they have seen so far with this system.

Some Kalbarri residents took to social media to voice their concern about experiencing more severe weather when they were still picking up the pieces after cyclone Seroja.

One person said the weather was “bringing back memories” of the cyclone, with others saying they were “very scared”.