Destructive winds forecast as cyclone batters WA coastline

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell has been downgraded to a category-two system, but residents in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions are still encouraged to take caution as the heavy weather continues in WA’s north.

Early on Sunday the cyclone had strengthened to a category three storm as it neared the Western Australia coast, bringing with it damaging wind gusts of up to 185 km/h.

Residents from Whim Creek to Onslow, including the mining town of Karratha, were told it was too late to leave and they must seek shelter indoors immediately, with Mitchell presenting a threat to lives and homes.

The storm was north of Dampier and tracking southwest closer to the west Pilbara coast in the early hours of Sunday, where locals are being warned to expect heavy rain and severe flash flooding.

Mitchell is expected to make landfall between Onslow and Exmouth on Sunday night before taking a more southerly track over land on Monday.

According to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, widespread moderate to heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is likely over the west Pilbara coast, extending to the west Gascoyne region on Monday.

“Local areas of intense rainfall leading to severe flash flooding may develop around the west Pilbara coast west of Karratha this morning,” DFES said.

“Abnormally high tides could cause serious flooding in the Karratha region early this morning, and then in the Onslow region this afternoon.

“Elsewhere on the west Pilbara coast including Exmouth, tides are likely to rise above the normal high tide mark on Sunday which may produce flooding of low-lying coastal areas.”

The wind gusts in some areas may reach up to 205 km/h on Sunday morning if Mitchell moves closer than forecast, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.

“Damaging to destructive winds are expected to ramp up in the next 24 hours, many places will see their strongest winds kick in late Saturday,” bureau forecaster Angus Hines said.

“Those winds are strong enough to bring down big branches or entire trees, damage property, and lead to power outages.”

Evacuation centres have been set up at Karratha Leisureplex, at the Onslow Multi Purpose Centre and a third at the Exmouth Shire Hall.

The cyclone was offshore about 210 kilometres northeast of Karratha and 140 km from Port Hedland late on Saturday afternoon.

Up to 130mm of rain is predicted for Port Hedland on Saturday, bringing with it the risk of flash floods.

Mitchell is expected to make landfall near Onslow on Sunday.

Warnings are in place for many communities including Port Hedland, Karratha, Onslow and Exmouth.

A watch and act warning covering the area from Whim Creek to Mardie could be upgraded to an emergency warning as the cyclone approaches, authorities say.

Residents are being told to prepare to take shelter due to the potential threat to lives and homes.

Residents from Pardoo Roadhouse to the east of Whim Creek, and from south of Mardie to Carnarvon and Pannawonica, are advised to monitor conditions and prepare for dangerous weather.

The ports of Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Dampier, Port Hedland and Varanus Island are closed as the weather system approaches.

The cyclone’s impending arrival comes as other outback towns are still feeling the brunt of major flooding.

In the Northern Territory, more than 400 people bussed 230km to Darwin from Daly River on Wednesday may have to wait days before they can return, as riverine flooding is not expected to peak until early next week.

With AAP.