Published on Thursday, 8 April 2021 at 6:00:17 PM
Attention:
TRAVELLERS AND VISITORS TO THE SHIRE OF UPPER GASCOYNE
We have been advised of Tropical Cyclone Seroja and been asked to communicate the following to both residents and visitors to our region.
Travellers must make plans for Tropical Cyclone Seroja. Please take note of the following advice, precautions and recommendations. Now is the time for travellers to reconsider their plans. It is imperative that people have a plan and that they are prepared to leave if the situation gets worse and remember that you cannot afford to wait until the last minute. The size of the potential impact area is another reason to be prepared, because you may need to travel some distance before you are out of harms way.
There is the possibility of a prolonged period of unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather in the State's north which means travellers must stay alert and be prepared to change their holiday plans. Acting Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Craig Waters AFSM said "We know there are many holidaymakers in the area and others making their way there, many of whom will not have experienced a cyclone before,” If you are in a tent or caravan, you are simply not protected against the damaging winds that may hit the region.
Tropical Cyclone Seroja is tracking parallel to the coast and will likely impact sections of the Pilbara and Midwest-Gascoyne regions over the coming week. Cyclones can be incredibly dangerous, bringing heavy rain, flooding, gales and swells. Recent rainfall and flooding has already battered the northern half of WA during the current cyclone season. Some roads in the area are still undergoing maintenance to repair damage from recent flooding events and Tropical Cyclone Seroja has the potential to cause further damage making roads unpassable for days, if not longer.
Over the coming days the Shire will continue to update you of details through our Facebook page and here on our Shire website www.uppergascoyne.wa.gov.au. It is essential that you stay up to date on weather conditions.
Below are links to other key information sources providing the most up to date and accurate information.
CYCLONE TERMINOLOGY
When listening to cyclone updates the following terminology may help. It is worth noting that if the cyclone warning system reaches a Yellow Alert, caravan parks and similar accommodation providers will ask you to relocate to a safer place.
o Blue Alert means you need to start preparing for cyclone weather.
o Yellow Alert means it is time to take action and move to shelter.
o When a Red Alert is issued you need to stay in the strongest, safest part of the building you are in until the All Clear is given.
o Even when the All Clear has been given, people must continue to be aware of further hazards. Floodwaters, fallen power lines and trees and major debris are all significant risks following a cyclone.
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