WA ports evacuating over cyclone threat

Residents in WA's north are preparing for a possible cyclone that could bring gusts of 100km/h while two ports are also being evacuated.

Ports in Western Australia's north are being evacuated while residents prepare their homes for a possible cyclone that could bring strong winds to coastal areas.

A tropical low is expected to move offshore from the west Kimberley coast later on Monday, potentially developing into a cyclone in the evening.

Strong gales with gusts of 100 kilometres per hour could hit coastal areas between Broome and Port Hedland, potentially reaching as far north as Cape Leveque.

Depending on how close the system tracks to the Pilbara coast, gales may extend west to Dampier on Tuesday morning and possibly as far as Exmouth in the evening.

People between Kuri Bay and Exmouth have been urged to prepare for the wild weather and organise an emergency kit.

The Pilbara Ports Authority has begun evacuating Port Hedland and Dampier ports.

Anchorage evacuation began on Monday morning and both ports expect berth evacuation to be complete by the evening.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a blue alert to local residents, warning them to organise an emergency supplies including a first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.


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Source: AAP


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