In less than 24 hours, Veronica went from an unnamed tropical low to a Category 4 intense tropical cyclone as it spun off the northwestern coastline of Western Australia.
Further strengthening is expected as Veronica turns southward toward the Australia coastline in the coming days.
Beyond Friday, two scenarios are possible for Veronica's path. In Scenario A, the storm continues to track southward into Australia with life-threatening impacts. In Scenario B, Veronica will take a westward turn prior to reaching the coastline, sparing communities the worst impacts from Veronica.
If Scenario A occurs, the cyclone will make a direct landfall along the northern coastline of Western Australia somewhere between Pardoo and Onslow.
Locations such as Karratha and Port Hedland could be at risk for the worst impacts from Veronica in this scenario.
Rough surf and seas will build along the coast ahead of Veronica's arrival on Thursday and Friday.
Satellite image of Intense Tropical Cyclone Veronica tracking near Western Australia on Thursday morning, local time. Courtesy of the Australia Bureau of Meteorology.
Conditions would deteriorate Friday night into Saturday, with the worst of the storm possibly felt Saturday night into Sunday as it moves onshore as a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone with winds equal to a Category 3 or 4 hurricane in the Atlantic and east Pacific oceans.
Areas near and along Veronica's track will be at risk for life-threatening flooding and damaging winds capable of damaging homes, knocking down trees and causing widespread power cuts and travel disruptions.
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If Scenario B occurs, there will still be a risk for some impacts to Western Australia; however, coastal communities will avoid the worst of Veronica's wind and rain.
In this scenario, Veronica would track southward before turning westward and tracking parallel to the coastline this weekend.
This would stir up rough seas along the coast of Australia from Port Hedland to Exmouth.
Gusty winds and occasional rainfall will also be a risk for coastal areas; however, flooding rainfall is unlikely.
A continued track toward the west would then take Veronica away from Western Australia next week.
Anyone in Veronica's potential path should make preparations for the storm now and check back updates in the coming days.
Download the free AccuWeather app to monitor the potential for severe weather conditions in your community.
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