Re: Major hurricane Lua (Cat 4) is about to strike NW Austrailia.
Posted by hanna on 3/17/2012, 5:47 pm
Updated March 18, 2012 01:33:51

Reports of extensive damage are emerging from Western Australia's Pilbara region, as Tropical Cyclone Lua continues to batter communities.


The cyclone crossed the coast north of Port Hedland as a category four system about 3pm AWST on Saturday.


Jim Cahill from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says the township of Port Hedland seems to have avoided any damage.


But he says it is a different situation in Pardoo, which was directly in Lua's path.


A Port Hedland radar loop shows Severe Tropical Cyclone Lua crossing the WA coast.


"The report from Pardoo Roadhouse is that they have some damage to the property. It seems to be extensive but they can't be sure because there's a lot of water in the area and it's getting pretty dark," he said.


FESA crews will fly to Pardoo on Sunday to assess the damage.


Steve Bunce is a ranger at Cape Keraudren, an area that was in the cyclone's firing line.


"The house... If I was in a boat I would say I was sinking, I'm taking water pretty badly, the winds are just horrendous outside," he said.


Further inland, Yarrie cattle station was also set to feel the brunt of Lua.


Owner Lang Coppin says his property was right in the firing line.


"Oh she'll be galloping when she gets here, it wont be backed off too much. It'll be giving us a bit of a hiding, but you do what you can," he said.


The cyclone has been downgraded from severe and is now a category two.


For the latest warnings and advice visit the Bureau of Meterology website.

The Bureau of Meteorology says Lua will move further inland and gradually weaken.


It says gales are occurring in inland areas near Nullagine and destructive wind gusts in excess of 125 kilometres per hour are possible close to the cyclone centre until early Sunday morning


"As the cyclone moves further south, gales may reach the eastern Gascoyne areas, adjacent interior and far northern Goldfields on Sunday morning," the bureau said.


As well as strong winds, Lua is also bringing heavy rain and a dangerous storm tide.


"Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous flooding," the bureau said.


Alerts


A red alert is currently in place for people in inland areas of the Pilbara including Nullagine, Newman, Jigalong, Woodie Woodie, Nifty and Moly Mines.


Those on a red alert are effectively in lockdown and are being advised to remain in shelter or go to shelter immediately.


A blue alert is currently in place for people in or near Wiluna, Meekatharra and all adjacent communities, pastoral stations and mining leases.


Those people need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.

Evacuation


In a separate incident, authorities have begun evacuating residents from one of Western Australia's most remote Aboriginal communities, after rising floodwaters cut off all services.


A monsoon system, separate from Severe Tropical Cyclone Lua, has dumped large amounts of rain over the Kimberley region this past week.


The community of Kalumburu has lost its water, sewerage and power services.


Thirty-five adults and six babies are being airlifted to the closest town of Kununurra.


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-17/tropical-cyclone-lua-crosses-wa-coast/3896098/?site=kimberley&source=rss

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/cyclone-lua-upgraded-to-category-four/story-e6freuzr-1226302410817
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Major hurricane Lua (Cat 4) is about to strike NW Austrailia. - tvsteve, 3/17/2012, 1:09 am
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