Tropical Cyclone Grant (03U)

Tropical Cyclone Grant (03U) has formed in the Indian Ocean and is expected to pass close to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands late Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day.

• Current strength: Category 1 (winds near the centre ~65 km/h, gusts ~95 km/h)

• Expected strength near the islands: likely Category 2

What to watch for (Cocos):

• Damaging winds up to around 100 km/h could develop from Wednesday afternoon, but more likely Thursday.

• If the core tracks very close, destructive gusts up to around 130 km/h are possible, most likely Thursday.

• Heavy rain may set in from late Wednesday, with a flash flooding risk.

• Higher tides + large waves around Wednesday/Thursday evening high tides could cause minor coastal flooding and dangerous lagoon currents.

There’s no warning zone at this stage, but the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are on watch.For official updates, check Emergency WA (website/app) and BOM warnings.