Perth braces for storms due to cyclone

Some parts of WA are mopping up after Tropical Cyclone Olwyn while others are preparing to be hit and storms are expected to strike Perth.

Cyclone Olwyn

Cyclone Olwyn (Twitter @NOAASatellites)

Perth is bracing for fierce storms this weekend as the weakening Tropical Cyclone Olwyn continues to hit Western Australia's Pilbara region.

Cyclone Olwyn intensified to a category three on Thursday but late on Friday it was downgraded to a category two system as it tracked past Carnarvon and Denham.

A red alert was in place for people in or near the coastal communities between Cape Cuvier and Denham.

That includes Useless Loop, Overlander Roadhouse, Billabong Roadhouse, Carnarvon and Wooroomel.

A yellow alert is current for people in or near Kalbarri, including Port Gergory and Horrocks.

The system is weakening as it moves south, but is expected to take heavy rain and squally winds into southern parts of the state.

Destructive winds, storm tides and flooding could happen in some areas.

Some schools and national parks have been closed, while emergency relocation centres have been established in Kalbarri, Exmouth and Carnarvon.

Meanwhile, the clean-up has begun in some areas including Exmouth where damage extended to roofs, caravans, trees and powerlines.

Horizon Power says there are 3500 customers without power in Carnarvon but it has so far restored power to 200 customers in Exmouth.

The Water Corporation says mains water supply has been affected in Exmouth and possibly other areas due to the loss of power.

Pilbara Ports Authority says it is returning to normal operations after port closures at Dampier and Ashburton.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is urging communities as far south as Perth and the South West to prepare their homes and families for dangerous weather this weekend.


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Source: AAP


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