Tropical Cyclone Anika Makes Landfall near Wallal Downs

Tropical Cyclone Anika made landfall near Wallal Downs, Australia on Wednesday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anika was located at latitude 20.1°S and longitude 120.6°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Wallal Downs, Australia. Anika was moving toward the south-southwest at 5 m.p.h (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Sandfire to Pardoo.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Anika made another landfall on the coast of Western Australia just to the west of Wallal Downs on Wednesday morning. Anika strengthened as it approached the coast. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Anika’s circulation. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the southern and eastern sides of the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (90 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Anika.

Tropical Cyclone Anika will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 36 hours. The high will steer Anika toward the south-southeast. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Anika will move inland over Western Australia. The center of Anika could pass west of Telfer on Thursday. Tropical Cyclone Anika will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rains to parts of Western Australia. A Flood Warning is in effect for the Sandy Desert. Flood Watches are in effect for the Fitzroy River and the De Grey River. Anika will weaken gradually as it moves farther inland.