A tropical cyclone is set to batter regions of Australia’s coast with heavy winds and rains even though it is not projected to make landfall.
Tropical Cyclone Sean has officially formed into a category one system and sits about 150kilometres north of Western Australia’s Pilbara coast.
By 8am (WA time) on Sunday, the tropical cyclone had sustained winds of 85kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 120kmph.
As the cyclone gathers strength, it could be upgraded to a category two, and potentially a category three system by Monday morning.
‘From Monday onwards, the cyclone is expected to turn towards the south-west, while remaining over open waters,’ the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said.
It is currently moving in a west-south-westerly direction at a speed of 13kmph.
Wild weather has been forecast for Port Hedland to Ningaloo, including Karratha, Dampier, Onslow and Exmouth, with ports closed.
At 12.30pm WA time, the state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) upgraded the warning level for the coast between Mardie and Ningaloo, urging people in the area to prepare to take shelter.
DFES also issued an emergency warning for Barrow Island, 50km off the Pilbara coast, and said people there should immediately seek shelter.
Part of gas giant Chevron’s operations are on Barrow Island, which has cyclone-rated accommodation for workers.
As cyclone Sean moves west on Sunday and Monday, residents in Port Hedland have been warned of a storm tide that could lead to large waves and hazardous surf conditions.
‘People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours,’ BoM said.
More to come
Tropical Cyclone Sean has officially formed into a category one system and sits about 150km north of Western Australia’s Pilbara coast
The system is currently moving in a west-south-westerly direction at a speed of 13kph
