Cyclone Errol expected to hit Kimberley coast as a tropical low (2025)

A tropical cyclone off Western Australia's Kimberley coast is expected to make landfall this afternoon as a tropical low.

Tropical Cyclone Errol had initially escalated to a category four system while out at sea, but has since dropped in intensity to a category one as it moves back towards the mainland.

The latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) shows Errol is 190 kilometres north of Derby and moving at 20kph, with wind gusts up to 95kph.

It is expected to make landfall as a tropical low this afternoon, with Beagle Bay to Cockatoo Island no longer covered by the warning zone.

Damaging wind gusts may potentially develop between Kuri Bay and Cockatoo Island today, while residents between Mitchell Plateau and Cockatoo Island are being warned to prepare for heavy rainfall which may persist into Saturday morning.

There is the possibility of six-hourly rainfall totals of 50 to 80 millimetres, with isolated falls of more than 100mm in some parts.

Time to prepare

BOM Meteorologist Jessica Lingardsaid the cyclone had begun to make its way back to the Kimberley coast.

"As it moves closer to the coast, it is going to encounter less favourable conditions, so it is likely to start weakening fairly quickly," she said.

Ms Lingard urged residents to stay vigilant as severe weather approached the coast.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Kimberley Superintendent Leon Gardiner said there were warnings in place for residents of the area.

"DFES is maintaining a cyclone advice 'prepare now' for people between Kuri Bay to the north of Broome, including those Kimberley coastal islands," he said.

"Take that time now to prepare for the onset of severe weather over the coming couple of days and make sure you're tidying up around your property and securing loose items."

Mr Gardiner said the department was well prepared.

"DFES is working actively with communities and stakeholders around the Dampier Peninsula, both in the Shire of Broome and the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley," he said.

"We're working with all of those partner agencies to understand who we've got out there and what we've got moving around.

A DFES spokesperson said it was in contact with stakeholders including Aboriginal communities and tourism operations to confirm preparedness for severe weather.

Residents ready

Peter Tucker runs Kuri Bay Sport Fishing and said his staff were prepared for the tropical low, having secured their boats and loose items.

"It shouldn't be too dramatic, the boys are well-versed in preparation for such weather, so I'm not too concerned," he said.

"They're definitely going to get some heavy rain and wind but they're all very experienced boys up there.

"It's a very solidly built place, Kuri Bay. I think the biggest concerns would just be the shade sales coming down and it rains heavy up there, but it does not flood, it drains away very quickly."

A spokesperson for the Mount Gibson Iron mine at Koolan Island said it was continuing to "closely" monitor Cyclone Errol.

"[Mount Gibson] has implemented its usual cyclone-readiness protocols as required in the conditions," they said.