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last mo.

Severe Cyclone Mitchell Reaches Category 3 Off WA as Pilbara Told to Shelter

Forecasters expect a coastal crossing between Onslow and Exmouth late Sunday with very destructive winds, flash flooding and coastal inundation threatening communities and key ports.

Tropical cyclone Mitchell was gathering force off the WA coast late Saturday and is forecast to reach severe category three by the time it makes landfall.
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Tropical Cyclone Richard is strengthening off the WA Coast.

Overview

  • The Bureau of Meteorology says Mitchell has intensified to a category 3 system tracking southwest near the west Pilbara, with gusts around 185 km/h and a chance of stronger winds if it moves closer to shore.
  • Emergency WA issued a "shelter indoors now" warning from Whim Creek to Onslow, including Karratha, stating it is too late to leave, and evacuation centres are open at Karratha Leisureplex and the Onslow Multi Purpose Centre.
  • Landfall is forecast late Sunday between Onslow and Exmouth before the system turns south over land on Monday, with very destructive winds possible near Karratha, Dampier, Wickham and extending to Onslow.
  • Heavy rain is already affecting the region, with up to 130 mm forecast in Port Hedland on Saturday, and authorities warn of severe flash flooding plus abnormally high tides posing a serious flood risk in Karratha early Sunday and Onslow in the afternoon.
  • Pilbara Ports confirmed closures and clearances at Port Hedland, Dampier, Ashburton, Cape Preston West and Varanus Island as mining communities brace for worsening conditions and potential power outages.