COASTAL COMMUNITIES ON CYCLONE ALERT

Authorities in Australia issued an alert for coastal communities on 16 December 2009 as Tropical Cyclone Laurence continues on a southerly track toward Western Australia state. As of 0900 GMT on 16 December the storm was located 505 mi/810 km northeast of Port Hedland, moving southwest at a speed of 9 mph/8 kt. Residents in the small town of Derby have been warned to remain indoors and expect damage to the town. Parts of the highway between Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Broome will be temporarily closed. Western Australia emergency management officials said that the state’s resources have been mobilized to prepare for the expected flooding.