A storm off the WA coast is expected to strengthen into an intense cyclone, with pastoralists in the projected path worried it could result in catastrophe.

April 11, 2023

Pastoralists in northern Western Australia fear they’ll be “smashed” as authorities warn an intensifying storm is likely to become a destructive cyclone.

The low off the Kimberley coast is expected to reach tropical cyclone strength during Tuesday and potentially become a category-four cyclone two days after.

Wallal Downs cattle station, northeast of Port Hedland, is in the Bureau of Meteorology’s projected path of the powerful weather system.

Manager Belinda Lethbridge said her team is preparing as much as they can but it may not be enough to save the property from destruction.

“This one is potentially going to be the worst we’ve seen for a number of years from what they’re reporting so it’s a lot more concerning than any others,” she told AAP on Tuesday.

“All the models are heading the right way – the wrong way for us meaning we’re probably going to get smashed pretty badly but the right way for a big catastrophe.”

Ms Lethbridge said her family had been managing the station for eight years and “escaped fairly unscathed” from two cyclones in that time.

They also run nearby Warrawagine Station, which is also in the cyclone’s potential path.

At category-four strength, the storm is likely to damage buildings and lead to widespread power failures and flooding.

“We’ll be organised but you can only do as much as you can and you think you’re prepared as you can be, but you never know how bad it’s going to be,” Ms Lethbridge said.

The two stations’ dozen staff will be evacuated to Broome on Wednesday ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, which is projected to cross the coast on Thursday.

The tropical low is currently over the Indian Ocean northwest of Derby, with residents from Port Hedland to Broome told to prepare for cyclonic weather.

The bureau said gale-force winds and heavy rain could develop between the Dampier Peninsula and areas north of Broome on Wednesday.

Squally thunderstorms and heavy rain are also expected over the western Kimberley region on Tuesday and into Wednesday, and abnormally high tides could hit the coast.

Showers and possible storms are forecast on Tuesday for many towns in an area stretching from the Kimberley to parts of the Northern Territory, including Darwin.

Eighty Mile Beach caravan park, which also lies in the storm’s projected path has been contacted for comment.