Perth awoke to a muggy and drizzly morning as ex-tropical cyclone Mitchell crossed the Western Australian coast in the early hours of Tuesday.
Mitchell’s Impact on Western Australia
The Bureau of Meteorology downgraded Mitchell to an ex-tropical cyclone overnight before it crossed the Gascoyne coast east of Shark Bay at 1am. Gascoyne Junction recorded 132mm of rain since 9am on Monday and Shark Bay Airport received 104.2mm in the past 48 hours.
Heavy rainfall continues in several areas of the south-west Gascoyne region, including Bullardoo and Greenough River. Pindarring Rocks has received 41.8mm in the past two hours. A severe weather warning remains in place for the central Wheatbelt and parts of the Gascoyne and Central West regions, with the potential for heavy to locally intense rainfall between 25mm and 50mm, which may lead to flash flooding.
A cyclone advice warning is still in effect for Shark Bay and Denham, including the popular tourist destination of Monkey Mia, though the threat level has decreased. A minor flood warning has also been issued for the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley, along with reports of “small” river rises along the Moore River.
What’s Next?
The ex-tropical cyclone is moving in a south-easterly direction and is expected to weaken, according to Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Grace Abbott. Perth is expected to avoid the worst of the weather, with only 2.2mm of rain falling in the last 24 hours. While Perth is experiencing showers, conditions are expected to gradually improve, becoming drier and less muggy from Wednesday onwards.
The Perth metropolitan area is forecast to return to its typical dry heat for the remainder of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the cyclone cross the WA coast?
The ex-tropical cyclone crossed the Gascoyne coast east of Shark Bay at 1am on Tuesday.
Where has the most rainfall been recorded?
Gascoyne Junction recorded 132mm of rain since 9am on Monday, and Shark Bay Airport received 104.2mm in the past 48 hours.
What is the forecast for Perth?
Perth is experiencing rain today, but conditions are expected to improve, with sunny conditions and temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius forecast for the rest of the week.
As conditions continue to evolve, what steps are you taking to stay informed and prepared in your local area?
