Tropical Cyclone Luana was approaching the coast of Western Australia on Friday afternoon. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Luana was located at latitude 16.3°S and longitude 121.7°E which put the center about 140 miles (230 km) north-northwest of Broome, Australia. Luana was moving toward the southeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 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.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for the portion of the coast from Broome to Kuri Bay. The Warning included Derby.
A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bidyadanga to Broome.
Tropical Cyclone Luana strengthened on Friday as it moved closer to the coast of Western Australia. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Luana’s circulation. More thunderstorms developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Luana. Storms near the center of Luana generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.
The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Cyclone Luana was asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Luana’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out only 60 miles (95 km) in the other parts of Tropical Cyclone Luana.
Tropical Cyclone Luana will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Luana will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the middle part of an upper level ridge that is northwest of Australia. The upper level winds are weak in the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Luana will Intensify during the next few hours.
Tropical Cyclone Luana Will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Luana toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Luana will make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Beagle Bay and Cape Leveque in a few hours.
Tropical Cyclone Luana will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the portion of Western Australia between Broome and Kuri Bay. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.
Flood Watches are in effect for the Northwest Kimberley and Western Sandy Desert regions.
Tropical Cyclone Luana could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of Western Australia.