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Cyclone catches town off-guard

Exmouth is again being battered by cyclonic conditions, and locals are angry that the authorities have not issued the appropriate alerts in time.

The Guardian’s Exmouth correspondent, Branwen Smith, said the lowest-level blue alert for Cyclone Quang was still in place when the battering began.

“Normally what we expect up here is to be told much earlier that the mid-level yellow alert and the top-level red alert are in place,” she said.

Picture: Branwen Smith

“Here we are, just out of blue alert, and people have reported carports smashed, trees down, one roof may have been ripped off and roads are being flooded.

“The schools decided to close without the yellow or red alerts and one of the IGA’s had to close because water was pouring into the store.

“People weren’t properly prepared for what already feels like cyclonic conditions.”

There have been no reports of injuries.

A yellow alert from Onslow to Ningaloo was declared by Department of Fire and Emergency Services at 12.30pm today.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Paul Leiper said the department issued alerts and warnings during tropical cyclones to warn the community of danger and provide safety advice.

“The appropriate alert level is determined by the DFES upon tropical cyclone advice from the Bureau of Meteorology and the expected level of threat to the community,” he said.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife advised at 2.52pm the proposed Edel Land National Park had been closed until further notice due to Tropical Cyclone Quang.

The proposed park includes False Entrance, Steep Point, Shelter Bay, Crayfish bay and Thunder Bay.

People are urged to avoid the area, follow the advice of Parks and Wildlife staff and observe signage.

People already in the area should leave for a safer place.

The department say it will provide an update if the situation changes or when the site has been re-opened.

For more information, contact tje Department of Parks and Wildlife office on 9948 2226.