Tropical Cyclone Luana Crosses Kimberley Coast as Category 2 System

Cyclone Luana Update Time: 2:15 pm AWST, Saturday 24 January 2026

Tropical Cyclone Luana has intensified to a Category 2 system and is currently crossing the Kimberley coast of Western Australia between Beagle Bay and Cape Leveque, triggering urgent warnings for coastal and inland communities. Authorities have issued a top-priority tropical cyclone warning for areas from Broome to Kuri Bay, including Derby and adjacent inland regions, as damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous coastal conditions develop.

Current Status of Tropical Cyclone Luana

As of 2:00 pm AWST, Tropical Cyclone Luana (system 16U) is located within 20 kilometres of 16.8° South, 122.7° East, placing it approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Cape Leveque and 120 kilometres west-northwest of Derby. The system is moving east-southeast at around 12 km/h.

Luana has strengthened to Category 2 intensity, with sustained winds near the centre of 95 km/h and wind gusts reaching up to 130 km/h. Meteorological authorities confirm that the cyclone is already producing significant wind and rainfall impacts along the Kimberley coastline.

Warning Areas and Affected Regions

A tropical cyclone warning zone remains in force for Broome to Kuri Bay, including Derby and nearby inland areas. At this stage, there are no active watch zones or cancelled zones, indicating that all areas under warning remain at risk.

Communities between Beagle Bay and Cockatoo Island are currently experiencing the most severe conditions, with hazardous weather expected to spread further south and inland through tonight.

Expected Movement and Intensity Forecast

Tropical Cyclone Luana is forecast to remain near or over the waters of King Sound tonight, a factor that may allow it to maintain Category 2 strength for longer than previously expected. If this scenario occurs, Derby may experience destructive winds later tonight.

The cyclone is expected to weaken below tropical cyclone strength on Sunday morning as it moves further inland. However, even as weakening occurs, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding risks will persist, particularly across inland Kimberley districts.

Key Hazards and Weather Impacts

Destructive and Damaging Winds

Destructive wind gusts up to 130 km/h are possible near the cyclone’s centre between Beagle Bay and Cockatoo Island.
These destructive gusts may extend to Derby tonight if the cyclone retains its strength.
Gales with damaging wind gusts up to 120 km/h currently affect areas from north of Broome to Kuri Bay.
Gales may spread to Broome, Derby, and adjacent inland areas through this afternoon and overnight.

Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding

Heavy rainfall capable of causing flash flooding is expected across the northwest Kimberley, including coastal and inland locations.
Flood risks will continue through today and Sunday, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Dangerous Storm Tide and Coastal Flooding

Residents around King Sound are warned of a dangerous storm tide as the cyclone passes close to the region.
Sea levels may rise well above normal high tide, producing damaging waves and dangerous coastal flooding.
Between Beagle Bay and Kuri Bay, tides are expected to be higher than normal, with large waves causing minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is also active for surrounding parts of the Kimberley due to peripheral impacts from the cyclone.

Safety Advice and Community Preparedness

Authorities strongly urge residents in warned areas to activate cyclone safety plans immediately. People should remain indoors, avoid coastal and flood-prone areas, secure loose items, and stay informed through official channels.

For the latest Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) alerts and community warnings, residents are advised to visit emergency.wa.gov.au or use the Emergency WA app.

Next Update on the Tropical Cyclone Luana

The next official Tropical Cyclone Advice for Tropical Cyclone Luana is scheduled to be issued by 6:00 pm AWST on Saturday 24 January 2026.
Residents across the Kimberley are urged to take this warning seriously and remain alert as dangerous conditions continue to evolve through tonight and into Sunday.

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