Onslow residents in Western Australia are being urged to prepare to relocate as Tropical Cyclone Olwyn tracks closer to the West Australian coast.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says there could be rapid and powerful flooding in Cameron Avenue, Second Avenue, Hospital Road and Bidan Street as the cyclone approaches and residents should prepare to leave.
Cyclone Olwyn is expected to reach Category 3 intensity as it approaches North West Cape and is moving southwest at 18km/h.
It is estimated to be 290km northwest of Karratha and 335km northeast of Exmouth.
A yellow alert is in place for people in or near coastal communities between Mardie and Coral Bay, extending inland to Nanutarra including Onslow, Exmouth, Nanutarra and Coral Bay.
"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said.
"You need to take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone."
A blue alert is in place for people in or near coastal communities between Whim Creek and Mardie, extending inland to Pannawonica.
That includes Whim Creek, Roebourne, Wickham, Point Samson, Karratha, Dampier, Fortescue and Pannawonica.
A blue alert is also in place for people in or near coastal communities between Cape Cuvier to Shark Bay, but does not include Gascoyne Junction.
Pilbara Ports Authority said the ports of Dampier - Rio Tinto's export hub - and Ashburton closed on Thursday morning.
All Dampier anchorages are closed to new arrivals with the exception of vessels going to their designated cyclone moorings and small vessels seeking safe haven.
The ports will remain closed until further advice from Pilbara Ports Authority harbour masters.
There was no significant impact on operations at Port Hedland, a spokeswoman said.
Gales with gusts to 100km/h are expected to develop between Karratha and Exmouth during Thursday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
From late Thursday, gales may extend inland to Pannawonica and Nanutarra.
If the system takes a more southerly track, gales may extend as far east as Whim Creek.
Very destructive winds, with gusts exceeding 165km/h, could develop near the west Pilbara coast late on Thursday or early on Friday, the bureau said.
Tides are likely to rise significantly, with dangerous flooding expected in some parts.
Share
