Tag Archives: Port Hedland

Tropical Cyclone Olga Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Olga rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale during Sunday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga was located at latitude 15.6°S and longitude 119.1°E which put it about 365 miles (590 km) north of the Port Hedland, Australia. Olga was moving toward the south-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (235 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 939 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Olga rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane over the South Indian Ocean north of Western Australia during Sunday morning. A small circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) was present at the center of Olga’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Olga. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Olga was small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Olga’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Olga was 28.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 6.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.4.

Hurricane Olga will move into an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Olga will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. An upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean will approach Tropical Cyclone Olga from the west. The trough will produce strong westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Olga’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Tropical Cyclone Olga will start to weaken when the wind shear increases. Olga could weaken rapidly because of the small size of its circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Olga will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Olga toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Olga will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia. Olga is forecast to turn more toward the west-southwest on Monday. Tropical Cyclone Olga is expected to have a minimal impact on Western Australia. Olga will bring gusty winds and large waves to the area around Rowley Shoals.

Tropical Cyclone Olga Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Olga rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Saturday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga was located at latitude 15.0°S and longitude 119.1°E which put it about 405 miles (655 km) north of the Port Hedland, Australia. Olga was moving toward the southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 958 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Olga rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South Indian Ocean north of Western Australia on Saturday night. A small circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) was present at the center of Olga’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Olga. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large quantities of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Olga was small, but it was symmetrical. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Olga’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Olga was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 27.8.

Hurricane Olga will move into an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Olga will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. An upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean will approach Tropical Cyclone Olga from the west. The trough will produce strong westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Olga’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Tropical Cyclone Olga could continue to intensify during the next few hours, but Olga will start to weaken when the wind shear increases.

Tropical Cyclone Olga will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Olga toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Olga will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia. Olga is forecast to turn more toward the west-southwest on Monday. Tropical Cyclone Olga is forecast to have a minimal impact on Western Australia. Olga will bring gusty winds and large waves to the area around Rowley Shoals.

Tropical Cyclone Olga Strengthens to Equivalent of a Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Olga strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga was located at latitude 14.5°S and longitude 119.6°E which put it about 435 miles (700 km) north of the Port Hedland, Australia. Olga was moving toward the south-southwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Olga strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon northwest of Australia on Saturday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Olga’s circulation. A circular eye with a diameter of 16 miles (26 km) formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center of Olga generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Olga’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Olga will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Olga will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the western part of the axis an upper level ridge over northern Australia. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Olga will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Olga will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Olga slowly toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Olga will parallel to the coast of Western Australia. Olga is forecast to turn more toward the west-southwest on Monday. Tropical Cyclone Olga is forecast to have a minimal impact on Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Olga Forms Northwest of Australia

Tropical Cyclone Olga formed northwest of Australia on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga was located at latitude 12.95°S and longitude 120.1°E which put it about 520 miles (840 km) north of the Port Hedland, Australia. Olga was moving toward the south at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean between Indonesia and Australia strengthened on Friday night and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Olga. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Olga exhibited more organization on Friday night. A band of thunderstorms wrapped around the center of Olga’s circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center of Olga generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga.

Tropical Cyclone Olga will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Olga will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Olga will intensify during the next 24 hours. Olga could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Olga will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Olga slowly toward the south during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Olga will move a little closer to Western Australia. Olga is forecast to turn more toward the west later in the weekend. Tropical Cyclone Olga is forecast to have a minimal impact on Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln Prompts Warning for Western Australia

The potential risk posed by Tropical Cyclone Lincoln prompted the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Warning for a portion of the coast of Western Australia on Thursday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 117.7°E which put it about 175 miles (280 km) north of Port Hedland, Australia. Lincoln was moving toward the southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Mardie to Ningaloo, Australia. The Warning included Exmouth and Onslow. A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ningaloo to Wooramel Roadhouse, Australia. The Watch included Carnarvon.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was strengthening gradually as it moved over the South Indian Ocean near Western Australia on Thursday. Even though Lincoln was strengthening, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and western parts of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln. Bands in the southern and eastern parts of Lincoln’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level ridge over Australia was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of Lincoln’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lincoln will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. However, the upper level ridge over Australia will continue to cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Eleanor is likely to strengthen gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Lincoln toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. Lincoln will move more toward the south when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system on Friday. Tropical Cyclone Lincoln could approach the coast of Western Australia between Mardie and Caranarvon in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa Hits Western Australia

The center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa hit the coast of Western Australia just to the east of Pardoo Roadhouse on Thursday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was located at latitude 19.9°S and longitude 119.7°E which put it about 10 miles (15 km) northeast of Pardoo Roadhouse, Australia. Ilsa was moving toward the southeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 926 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the coast of Western Australia from Bidyadanga to Port Hedland. The Tropical Cyclone Warning extended inland to include De Grey, Marble Bar, Nullagine, Telfer, Parnngurr and Kunawarritji.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale at the time of landfall. A very small circular eye was present at the center of Ilsa’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone.

A weather station at Bedout Island measured a sustained wind speed of 135 m.p.h. (218 km/h) when the western side of the eyewall of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa passed over it. The weather station also measured a wind gust of 178 m.p.h. (288 km/h).

Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 17.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 49.2. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Laura when Laura hit southwest Louisiana in 2020.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over northern Australia. The high pressure system will steer Ilsa toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will pass near Telfer and Kiwirrkurra.

Although Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will weaken as it moves farther inland over Western Australia, it will take a while to spin down. Ilsa will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Western Australia. The strong winds will be capable of causing regional severe damage. Ilsa could also produce strong winds in De Grey and Telfer when it moves inland. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Warnings are in effect for the De Grey River and the Sandy Desert. Flood Watches are in effect for the West Kimberley, Western Desert, Warburton and Salt Lake Districts. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa could bring gusty winds to Kiwirrkurra during Friday.

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Ilsa Nears Western Australia

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Ilsa neared the coast of Western Australia on Thursday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was located at latitude 19.1°S and longitude 119.1°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) northwest of Pardoo Roadhouse, Australia. Ilsa was moving toward the south-southeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 926 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the coast of Western Australia from Bidyadanga to Whim Creek. The Warning included Port Hedland. The Tropical Cyclone Warning extended inland to include De Grey, Marble Bar, Nullagine, Telfer and Parnngurr.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa continued to intensify during Wednesday night, as it moved closer to the coast of Western Australia. A very small circular eye was present at the center of Ilsa’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large quantities of mass was causing the surface pressure to continue to decrease.

A weather station at Bedout Island measured a sustained wind speed of 120 m.p.h. (104 kt or 193 km/h) as the core of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was approaching it. The weather station also measured a wind gust of 144 m.p.h. (125 kt or 232 km/h).

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Ilsa increased as it intensified. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was 31.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 18.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 50.0. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Laura when Laura hit southwest Louisiana in 2020.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move through an environment favorable for a powerful tropical cyclone during the next few hours. Ilsa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge that extends from northern Australia to the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa is likely to maintain its intensity until it reaches the coast of Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move around the western end of a high pressure system over western Australia. The high pressure system will steer Ilsa toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa is likely to make landfall on the coast of Western Australia near Pardoo Roadhouse in 6 hours. Ilsa will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it makes landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Western Australia between De Grey and Wallal Downs. The strong winds will be capable of causing regional severe damage. Ilsa could also produce strong winds in De Grey and Telfer when it moves inland. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Warnings are in effect for the De Grey River and the Sandy Sesert. Flood Watches are in effect for the West Kimberley, Western Desert, Warburton and Salt Lake Districts. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) along the portion of the coast near where the center makes landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa Strengthens to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was located at latitude 18.1°S and longitude 119.2°E which put it about 175 miles (285 km) northwest of Wallal Downs, Australia. Ilsa was moving toward the south-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 942 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the coast of Western Australia from south of Broome to Whim Creek. The Warning included Port Hedland. The Tropical Cyclone Warning extended inland to include De Grey, Marble Bar, Nullagine, Telfer and Parnngurr.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday night. A small circular eye was present at the center of Ilsa’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large quantities of mass was causing the surface pressure to continue to decrease.

A weather station at Rowley Shoals measured a sustained wind speed of 95 m.p.h. (83 kt or 154 km/h). The weather station measured a wind gust of 132 m.p.h. (115 kt or 213 km/h). It also measured a sea level pressure of 942.3 mb.

Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 38.5. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Ilsa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge that extends from northern Australia to the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa could continue to intensify during the next 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move around the western end of a high pressure system over western Australia. The high pressure system will steer Ilsa toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa is likely to make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Pardoo Roadhouse and Wallal Downs in 12 hours. Ilsa will be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it makes landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Western Australia between Pardoo Roadhouse and Wallal Downs. The strong winds will be capable of causing regional severe damage. Ilsa could also produce strong winds in De Grey and Telfer when it moves inland. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches are in effect for the West Kimberley, De Grey River, Sandy Desert, Western Desert, Warburton and Salt Lake Districts. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) along the portion of the coast near where the center makes landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa Strengthens to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Wednesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was located at latitude 16.8°S and longitude 119.4°E which put it about 200 miles (325 km) west-northwest of Broome, Australia. Ilsa was moving toward the south-southwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 956 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Bidyadanga to Port Hedland. Tropical Cyclone Watches were in effect for the portions of the coast from Broome to Bidyadanga and from Port Hedland to Whim Creek.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Wednesday morning. A small circular eye was present at the center of Ilsa’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large quantities of mass was causing the surface pressure to continue to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Ilsa increased, when Ilsa strengthened. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Ilsa’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.1. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Ilsa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge that extends from northern Australia to the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours. Ilsa could intensify rapidly at times.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move around the western end of a high pressure system over western Australia. The high pressure system will steer Ilsa toward the south during the next 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move toward the southeast when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system on Thursday morning. On its anticipated track, Ilsa is likely to make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Broome and Port Hedland in 30 hours. The center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa could make landfall near Wallal Downs. Ilsa is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it makes landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will bring very strong winds and locally heavy rain to Western Australia near Wallal Downs. The strong winds will be capable of causing severe damage. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches are in effect for the West Kimberley, De Grey River, Sandy Desert, Western Desert, Warburton and Salt Lake Districts. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) along the portion of the coast near where the center makes landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was located at latitude 15.9°S and longitude 120.3°E which put it about 190 miles (305 km) northwest of Broome, Australia. Ilsa was moving toward the southwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Beagle Bay to Whim Creek. The Tropical Cyclone Watch included Broome and Port Hedland.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa intensified rapidly over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Tuesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Ilsa’s circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated strong upper level divergence that pumped a large quantity of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of a large quantity of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly, which contributed to the rapid increase in wind speed.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Ilsa’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Ilsa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge that extends from northern Australia to the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa is likely to continue to intensify rapidly during the next 24 hours. Ilsa could intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane within 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over western Australia. The high pressure system will steer Ilsa toward the southwest during the next 18 hours. Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move toward the south when it reaches the western end of the ridge on Wednesday. On its anticipated track, Ilsa is likely to make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Broome and Port Hedland in 48 hours. The center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa could make landfall near Wallal Downs. Ilsa is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it makes landfall.