The Australian authorities warned that tropical Cyclone Ilsa will increase in strength to level five when it reaches the coast of northern Western state today, becoming the strongest cyclone to hit the state in 14 years.The Australian Broadcasting Authority reported that the cyclone is currently classified as level IV, located 245 km north of Port Hedland, with wind speeds of up to 185 km per hour and up to 260 km per hour.The National Hurricane Centre issued a yellow warning covering more than 700 km of coastline between an area in South Broome and Wem Craig. The authorities asked residents along the coast from Broome to Port Hedland to prepare for the hurricane, which is the most violent to hit the region in more than 10 years.Strong winds and tornado-induced heavy rains are expected to cause tree falls and destroy residential and commercial installations along the coast. The Met Office also forecasts heavy rainfall of up to 400 mm in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Du Gray Basin regions.The last level V hurricane to hit Western Australia was Hurricane Lawrence in 2009.
April 13, 2023 | 01:54 PM