Australia braces for Tropical Cyclone Alessia

TORONTO – A tropical storm has developed off the north coast of Western Australia.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued a tropical cyclone warning for parts of the west coast, including Cockatoo Island, Kuri Bay, east to Wyndham. Gale warnings have also been issued for surrounding areas.

READ MORE: Tropical Cyclone Helen strikes India, 2 reported dead

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Alessia is a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h. It is moving eastward at 21 km/h.

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Alessia is the first cyclone to hit Australia this cyclone season, which runs between Nov. 1 and April 30 in the country. Australia experiences an average of 11 storms a season.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a near-average season for 2013-2014.

Alessia is expected to approach the coast overnight Saturday into Sunday but some weakening is forecast for Sunday.