By Courtney Spamer, Meteorologist
December 28,2013; 7:57PM,EST
A tropical wave that AccuWeather.com meteorologists have been monitoring over the last few days has developed into Tropical Cyclone Christine (05S).
The center of the cyclone is spinning southwestward just off of the northwest coast of Australia.
In doing so, the system will remain in a favorable environment for development, including warmer waters and weaker opposing winds.
The storm is expected to strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall near Karratha late in the day Monday or Monday evening. As the system interacts with more land by Monday night and Tuesday, it will begin to lose tropical characteristics and weaken.
Expert Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said, "Squally rains will likely brush the northwest Kimberley coast and Pilbara coasts into Monday." This brings the risk of flooding with heavy, soaking rains for the next several days.
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AccuWeather.com Overview of Australia
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Detailed Forecast for Karratha, Australia
Stronger wind gusts are also possible through Sunday. With the center of the storm pretty far offshore, only the outer bands will affect land, especially in the Broome and Derby areas. Gusts could range from 80-100 kph (50-60 mph).
Winds at the core of the storm, which will remain offshore until Sunday night, will be higher, with sustained winds nearing 120 km/h (75 mph).
The storm will also pass a high density oil-drilling area northwest of Australia. These locations and interests should monitor the situation closely through the weekend.
In addition to the wind and rain threats, a strong storm surge of at least several feet is likely near and east of the point of landfall on Monday.
AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Erik Pindrock contributed to the content of this story
On Social Media
Hurricane HD
HurricaneHD
We are currently watching Tropical Cyclone Christine near Western Australia. Christine is expected to intensify to... fb.me/TCSRgNe8
Ryan Maue
RyanMaue
Tropical Cyclone 05S (#Christine) newly formed -- will landfall Western Australia Monday. ~975 mb pic.twitter.com/cwyKJONP0n
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