WA: Cyclone Laurence weakening, but still packing a punch

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2009
WA: Cyclone Laurence weakening, but still packing a punch

Tropical Cyclone Laurence has weakened overnight .. but authorities are still warning
residents in its path of its destructive winds.

The West Australian town of Derby remains on red alert as the cyclone continues on
its southerly track .. slowing to a category 3 storm and expected to be downgraded again
to a category 2 in the next few hours.

JAMES ASHLEY .. a forecaster at Perth's Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre .. says Laurence
is still strong enough to do some damage .. and people shouldn't get complacent about
it.

He says wind gusts of up to 155km/h are still possible close the the cyclone centre.

Laurence is estimated to be 75km south of Cockatoo Island and 95km north northeast
of Derby as of 2.45am (WST).

A cyclone warning is in place for coastal areas from Kuri Bay to Beagle Bay.

AAP RTV sbl/gfr/wf

KEYWORD: LAURENCE (MELBOURNE)

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