Port of Port Hedland being cleared as a tropical low tracks toward the WA coast.
Pilbara Ports Authority advised this morning (11 February) that it had started clearing vessels from the port, including those at anchor.
PPA expects all port anchorages to be cleared by 18:00-19:00 on Wednesday 12 February.
Tropical Low 18U is still developing as it moves south from its position north west of Broome.
The Bureau of Meteorology expects the weather system to impact the east Pilbara or west Kimberley coast later this week.
“There is still some uncertainty in the track and intensity of 18U however it seems more likely that 18U will now impact the east Pilbara or west Kimberley coast as a severe tropical cyclone later this week,” BOM said in a cyclone notice this morning.
The bureau has warned destructive wind gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour madevelop between Bidyadanga and Port Hedland on Thursday as 18U moves closer to the coast.
“Locally heavy falls may develop along the coast between Cape Leveque and Port Hedland during Wednesday or Thursday,” BOM said.
“The slow movement of the system as it approaches the coast may result in very high falls near the track.
“Abnormally high tides are possible between Cape Leveque and Port Hedland on Wednesday but sea levels should not exceed the highest tide of the year. Higher tides may occur as the system nears the coast.”
PPA also advised all recreational vessel owners must safely secure their vessels for cyclonic conditions.
