Urgent warnings have been issued as Tropical Cyclone Mitchell intensifies off the coast of Western Australia, posing a significant threat to regional communities. The cyclone is expected to escalate to a severe category 3 system before passing north of Karratha in the Pilbara region overnight on Saturday.
Projected Path and Impact
Following its initial movement, Mitchell is predicted to travel southwest along the coastline on Sunday, making landfall around 2pm. This trajectory is set to bring destructive wind gusts of up to 170km/h and heavy rainfall, potentially smashing towns across the affected areas.
Warnings and Affected Regions
The Bureau of Meteorology has activated alerts for residents spanning from De Grey to Ningaloo, including key locations such as Port Hedland, Karratha, Onslow, and Exmouth. The warnings extend inland through the western Pilbara, encompassing Pannawonica.
On Saturday night, the cyclone's core is anticipated to generate very destructive winds near Karratha, Dampier, and Wickham, with impacts spreading to Onslow by Sunday. Specific wind forecasts include gusts reaching 150km/h in Exmouth on Sunday night, and 120km/h winds in De Grey and Dampier on Saturday afternoon, persisting across the western Pilbara into early Sunday.
Flooding and Tidal Risks
In addition to fierce winds, the Bureau of Meteorology cautions that moderate to locally heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding from Saturday onwards, extending to the west Gascoyne region by Monday. Abnormally high tides may also lead to flooding in Karratha and Onslow on Sunday, with other coastal areas like Exmouth experiencing elevated tides above normal levels over the weekend, potentially inundating low-lying zones.
Emergency Preparedness and Safety Measures
EmergencyWA has issued cyclone watch and act warnings for areas from Whim Creek to Mardie, noting that Onslow may see an upgrade to this alert level on Saturday afternoon. Authorities emphasise that severe cyclones can be overwhelming, regardless of past experiences, and urge residents to prepare thoroughly.
Key recommendations include:
- Securing loose items around properties and moving vehicles under cover.
- Ensuring pets are safe before the cyclone strikes.
- Relocating to safer places if living in caravans, older homes, or poorly maintained dwellings.
- Seeking shelter at evacuation centres if home safety is uncertain, while exercising caution during travel due to risks like rapidly rising floodwaters and slippery roads.
Residents are strongly advised to avoid driving into floodwaters and to abandon vehicles immediately if stalled in rising water, prioritising safety above all else.
