Issued: Saturday 8 April 2023

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a tropical cyclone watch at 9:02 am WST on Saturday 8 April 2023.

A tropical low in the Arafura Sea, north of the Northern Territory, is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone by Monday as it tracks to the west southwest.

If the system does become a tropical cyclone, the next name on the list is “Ilsa.”

It is expected to intensify further over the following days as it moves on a general track parallel to the Kimberley coast.

There is a significant risk that this system will become a severe tropical cyclone during Tuesday, offshore from the west Kimberley coast.

It is then forecast to cross the coast as a severe Tropical Cyclone between Broome and Port Hedland, most likely on Thursday.

Gales with wind gusts to 90 km/h and heavy rainfall could develop as early as late Sunday night between Kalumburu and Kuri Bay.

Heavy rainfall and destructive winds are likely close to where the system will be tracking from mid-next week, with enhanced thunderstorm activity for the far northern Kimberley from Sunday.

Thunderstorms are forecast for northern Western Australia throughout the Easter long weekend, mainly during the afternoon and evening.

Thunderstorms in the Kimberley, Pilbara and North Interior are likely to be more isolated.

The next tropical cyclone advice will be issued by 3pm WST Saturday 8 April.

For the latest Tropical Cyclone advice and track maps, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/

For Tropical Cyclone Outlooks, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/outlooks/index.shtml

Know your weather. Know your risk. Communities should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via our website and BOM Weather app and follow advice of emergency services.

ENDS

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