Former Tropical Cyclone Ikola to Soak Southwestern Australia

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

April 8,2015; 10:50AM,EDT

 

 

While no longer a powerful tropical cyclone, Ikola will still impact southwestern Australia during the second half of this week.
Tropical Cyclone Ikola reached its peak intensity Monday night into Tuesday, local time, with winds of 175 kph (110 mph). That is equivalent to a strong Category 2 hurricane in the Atlantic or eastern Pacific Ocean basins.
Ikola has since lost its tropical characteristics, but it continues to be accompanied by soaking rain.
That rain will spread across southwestern Australia Thursday into Thursday night, dropping a general 20 to 50 mm (0.80 of an inch to 2 inches). Widespread flooding is not expected. However, localized issues may arise in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Perth and Bunbury are among the communities in line for the soaking.
Rough surf will also be increasing along the entire western Australian coastline from Dirk Hart Island to Dunsborough into Friday, creating dangers who enter the water. There will not be much temptation anyway to go swimming on Friday due to lingering showers, clouds and a gusty wind.
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As Ikola lifts southward and weakens, a passing shower will continue to dot southwestern Australia as cooler air filters in.