Cyclone Season: Be Aware - Be Prepared
Typically, the cyclone season in Northern Western Australia commences on 1 November and concludes on 30 April each year.
If a cyclone approaches the East Kimberley, the cyclones progress can be monitored by accessing the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) website: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/and https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website: http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/
Alternatively, local radio station 603AM will broadcast up to date cyclone information.
Cyclone Information Booklet
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley produces an updated Tropical Cyclone Information Booklet for community reference. The “Cyclone Information Booklet” is available to download here. The booklet is specific to the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, informing and assisting residents and visitors to the Shire with preparation for the upcoming cyclone season. The booklet contains information on preparing family emergency kits, the location of the welfare centre, cyclone alerts, local emergency contact numbers and much more.
Cyclone Smart Travel Guide – Travel Safety guide for visitors to the East Kimberley.
Flooding
Information about floods (Actions before and after) can be found here.
The “Dangers of Driving through Flood Waters” can be downloaded here.
Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map
The Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map is a graphical product that provides a track of the cyclone showing recent movement, and forecast movement (with uncertainty indicated) 72 hours hence. It also shows the current extent of damaging winds and a graphical representation of the areas affected by current cyclone watch and cyclone warning. This product is accessible on the BOM web page.
Please click here to view the video below explaining Track Maps.
Road Closures
Throughout the year, roads in the East Kimberley could be closed for many reason e.g. fire and /or smoke hazard, flooding from cyclones or monsoonal/season rainfall, vehicle collision etc.
Main Roads WA can issue “Alerts” daily for any roads that may be closed in the East Kimberley region. To view alerts issued please click here.
Welfare Centres
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley has a designated welfare centre. The Kununurra Leisure Centre is the Primary Welfare Centre and the Kununurra District High School/Kununurra Youth Centre are the secondary Welfare Centres. In an emergency, the Kununurra Leisure Centre will be opened and be managed by the Department of Child Protection and Family Services. The size or type of incident will determine the need to open the secondary Centre/s. If required to do so the Shire will advertise that the centre is open.
Primary
Kununurra Leisure Centre
Coolibah Drive, Kununurra
Click here for the location of The Kununurra Leisure Centre
Secondary (Only open when required)
Kununurra District High School
79 Mangaloo Street, Kununurra
Click here for location of Kununurra District High School
Kununurra Youth Centre
Rod Hodnett Drive, Kununurra
Click here for location of Kununurra Youth Centre
For further information relating to cyclone preparedness, please contact the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley on (08) 9168 4100 or via email at mail@swek.wa.gov.au