Yvette eases but NW warned of Christmas Day ramp up

A tropical cyclone in waters off WA’s North West coast has been downgraded to a tropical low but is expected to re-intensify on Christmas Eve.

Bureau of Meteorology regional director Mike Bergin said the impact of ex-tropical cyclone Yvette was expected for Christmas Day along the Pilbara coast.

“We shouldn’t see significant impacts in terms of wind, we could see rainfall totals up to 100mm, but it’s going to be a low-end tropical cyclone impact,” he said.

There continues to be wild weather in the region, with a severe weather warning in place for heavy rain and damaging wind and gusts up to 90km/h in Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.

There is also a monsoon low in the Kimberley, producing heavy rain and squally winds.

Broome experienced its wettest December day on record yesterday, with 226mm to 9am this morning.

Graham Swift, from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, reminded people to not travel in floodwaters and to be alert to weather warnings over the weekend.

“Don’t cross floodwaters as they are particularly dangerous. Most of the deaths that occur in floods in vehicles are people getting washed away,” he said.

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In the event of a cyclone red alert, residents who leave their homes could face fines of $50,000.

“The warnings will come on as the cyclone approaches, and have a look at which actions you should take, have a plan and implement that plan if the cyclone comes,” Mr Swift said.