Residents of Kimberley are bracing themselves as Tropical Cyclone Luana unleashes wild weather this evening. The cyclone, making its presence known after crossing the coast north of Broome around 2 p.m. AWST, is causing quite a stir.

Upon landfall on the Dampier Peninsula, Luana was classified as a Category 2 system. It threatens the region with the potential of a significant storm surge, prompting caution and preparations among locals.

In Lombadina, just north of Broome, the storm has already demonstrated its might. Wind gusts have reached speeds of up to 106 km/h, and over 100 millimeters of rain has fallen since midnight, illustrating the cyclone’s intensity.

This evening, the system is anticipated to be positioned west of Derby. The situation is compounded by predictions of extremely high tides reaching up to 11 meters, which has residents on edge.

In response to the looming threat, local authorities have been proactive. “The SES has been really good about putting out sandbags for people and informing people about what might happen if you live a bit closer to the marsh,” said Derby resident Chris in an interview with 9News.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns 100mm-200mm of rainfall per day is possible with this system, as it moves inland over the next 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Luana is expected to weaken to a Category 1 storm overnight but flood warnings are still in place for north and west Kimberley rivers, with residents advised to keep an eye on the warnings and have their cyclone kits ready.