Tropical Cyclone Hayley set cross Kimberley coast as Category 2 system

Jarred Cross Published December 29, 2025 at 2.00pm (AWST)

western australia

A warning zone is in place from north of Broome to Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula after Tropical Cyclone Hayley intensified to a Category 2 system. (Image: Bureau of Meteorology)

Tropical Cyclone Hayley is expected to make landfall in the West Kimberley as a Category 2 system on Tuesday, with a warning zone in place from north of Broome to Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula.

A watch zone in place extends further east to Kuri Bay.

Residents are being told to prepare now.

After the tropical low formed well off the coast overnight on Monday, the system has intensified to a Category 2 — and is projected to reach Category 3 on Tuesday — as it slowly moves south towards land before swinging southeast.

It is expected to weaken back to a Category 2 system before crossing the coast.

Possible flash flooding due to heavy rains and intense winds have been forecast, per the Bureau of Meteorology update which was issued just before midday local time on Monday.

Tides are also higher than normal.

"As Tropical Cyclone Hayley nears the Kimberley coast, we can expect to see showers and thunderstorms increasing across that part of WA," BOM meteorologist Jonathan How said, according to PerthNow.

"And as the tropical cyclone makes landfall, at this stage on New Year's Eve during the morning, we can expect to see heavy rain, possibly damaging winds."

The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued Cyclone advice for the area between Broome and Kuri Bay, including Derby.

"Although there is no immediate danger you need to start preparing for dangerous weather and keep up to date," the DFES advised.

*Cyclone Advice has been issued for the Kimberley region. (Image: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA)*

As of midday Monday, Tropical Cyclone Hayley was tracking south at 11km per hour, sitting 445 kilometres northwest of Broome.

"Tropical Cyclone Hayley, northwest of the Kimberley coast, is now category 2 intensity and strengthening as it moves south," the BOM said in an update on Monday at around midday local time.

"Hayley is forecast to turn to the southeast later today towards the western Kimberley coast. It is forecast to turn more easterly during Tuesday towards the Dampier Peninsula.

"Hayley is forecast to intensify a severe category 3 cyclone early Tuesday but some weakening is then expected and at this stage a category 2 impact is forecast for landfall."

An updated forecast map will be issued at 3pm Monday local time.