Ports prepare for possible Tropical Cyclone

17 Jan 2025 / West Australia, Australia

A possible Tropical Cyclone is forming in northwest of the West Australia region.

Tropical low 11U is slowly developing near the west Kimberley coast, north of Broome. Its development is expected to be initially slow during today (17 January) as it interacts with tropical low 10U further to the west. Tomorrow, it is expected to weaken and dissipate allowing 11U to then consolidate and strengthen.

Tropical low 11U is likely to strengthen quickly from later on Saturday and into Sunday as it moves west southwest off the Pilbara coast. It is expected to develop further on Monday as it continues to move parallel to the Pilbara coast before beginning to weaken again from Tuesday. It is expected to move out of the region by Thursday as it weakens further.

The cyclone response procedure has been activated at the Pilbara ports of Barrow Island, Cape Preston, Port Walcott (including the Cape Lambert iron ore export terminal and Johns Creek boat harbour) & Onslow (including the Onslow Salt export terminal, Beadon Creek, Thevenard Island and access to Port of Ashburton channel), Dampier, Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Dampier & Varanus Island Ports and Port Hedland.

Port Hedland is now at Cyclone Alert Stage 2 – Prepare. This stage involves extensive communications and consultation between the Harbour Master, Port proponents, and service providers. Operational plans, sailing drafts, tidal requirements, and intentions will be discussed and evaluated against possible scenarios.

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

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.