PORTS on the Kimberley and Pilbara coast are back in action having weathered Tropical Cyclone Ilsa.
The storm crossed the coast between Port Hedland and Broome at category-five strength just after midnight on Friday morning (14 April).
Pilbara Ports Authority had closed the Port of Port Hedland and Kimberley Ports Authority closed ports of Broome, Derby and Yampi Sound ahead of the storm.
But the cyclone has weakened as it moves inland, and both PPA and KPA have deemed the ports safe for operations.
“Pilbara Ports Authority has undertaken inspections of navigation aids, the channel and berths and has confirmed safe operations can resume,” PPA said in its latest cyclone notice, issued Friday morning.
“As of 11:00am Pilbara Ports Authority will reopen the Port of Port Hedland.
“Pilbara Ports Authority is liaising with terminal and vessel operators and stakeholders to plan the recommencement of shipping.”
And a spokesperson for KPA has confirmed to DCN that all Kimberley ports are open with no damage sustained.
Ports of Derby and Yampi Sound opened at 1200 on Thursday and Port of Broome at 0660 on Friday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has downgraded the cyclone to category-two intensity as of Friday afternoon as it moves inland.
Warnings are still in place for damaging winds and heavy to intense rainfall following the weather system.
