A tropical cyclone undergoing extreme intensification in the eastern Indian Ocean has rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 storm just off the northwest coast of Australia, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).
Winds were estimated at 140 knots (260 km/h) on the Saffir-Simpson scale — not the regional Australian cyclone scale — placing the system firmly in the “super typhoon” range by global standards.
“This is a case of a storm going absolutely nuclear,” said meteorologist Robert Speta of WestPacWx. “It went from nearly nothing to a powerful cyclone in less than 48 hours.”
The cyclone is forecast to make landfall just east of Broome, near the coastal town of Derby, where authorities are preparing for potential storm surge and flash flooding. Though the region is sparsely populated, it is not uninhabited — and residents in vulnerable coastal areas are being urged to prepare.
“People say it’s remote, but that doesn’t mean the impact is zero. For those in the storm’s path, the risks are very real,” Speta said.
Forecast models indicate the storm will encounter increased wind shear and dry air as it moves southeast, likely weakening before landfall. JTWC forecasts suggest it could come ashore as a Category 1 storm, with sustained winds around 120 km/h.
Still, the threat of flooding and coastal inundation remains serious due to the flat topography and low-lying terrain in areas near Derby.
Satellite and microwave imagery show a highly organized eye and intense inner core. Meteorologists note that such rapid intensification events are increasingly being linked to warmer sea surface temperatures.
“The inner core of this cyclone wrapped up quickly. You can clearly see how that eye tightened over a short period,” Speta said.
Rainfall could reach several hundred millimeters in some areas, increasing the flash flood risk in an otherwise arid part of the country. While Broome may avoid a direct hit, gusty winds and outer bands are still possible.
No major cities are currently under threat, but emergency services across Western Australia remain on alert.