Ports at Cyclone Alert 2

15 Mar 2024 / Dampier & Port Hedland, Australia

The ports of Dampier and Port Hedland remain at Cyclone Alert Stage 2 – PREPARE, as Tropical Low 08U is expected to strengthen in the coming days.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) update at 0800 hours local time today (15 March) states that 08U is over open waters north of the Pilbara coast and moving slowly south. It is expected to begin moving towards the southwest from tonight. Gales to the north of the system should ease during the day as the system.

It is likely to strengthen to tropical cyclone intensity late Sunday or Monday and reach Category 2 intensity during Monday. There is only a small possibility to reach Category 3.

The forecast track 08U keeps it offshore in the forecast period. There remains a slight chance that it could continue moving south over the weekend, in which case an impact or coastal crossing on the west Pilbara coast early next week.

From Tuesday onwards, it may start weakening over cooler waters. However, if it takes a more north-west track, then it could maintain intensity over warmer waters to the north.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at [email protected]

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