Tropical Low 05U

10 Dec 2024 / Port Hedland, Australia

The cyclone response procedure has been activated, and the port of Port Hedland is now at Cyclone Alert Stage 1 – Monitor.

As per the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) update at 0800 LT on 10th Dec 2024, Tropical low (05U) may form north of the Kimberley WA in the next couple of days and move to the southwest.

There is a great deal of uncertainty about whether and when this system will develop. However, the guidance is consistent with a southwest track near the Kimberley and Pilbara coasts.

Only a small number of scenarios form a low, so at this stage, the chances of becoming a tropical cyclone are assessed as Low 10-15% through Thursday, increasing to Moderate from Friday to Monday. The most likely track holds the intensity below tropical cyclone strength.

However, if it develops and remains over water, it has the potential to develop into a small but significant system and may develop quickly in response to a favourable environment. In this scenario, there is a chance that 05U will reach a category 3 intensity.

Vessel Masters shall ensure:
- Vessel's engines and machinery are fully operational.
- Vessel's stability, trim, and propeller immersion are appropriate.
- Vessel's manning, stores and bunkers are adequate for departure.
- Preparations are made in accordance with their respective cyclone response plan.

Terminal/berth operators are to ensure that:
- The latest cyclone forecasts are taken into account when planning operations over the coming days.
- Shipping operations will continue as planned. Adjustments will be made based on prevalent and expected weather conditions associated with the tropical system.
- The weather forecasts will continue to be monitored and further advice will be issued within the next 12 hours or earlier if there is a substantial change/escalation to the situation.

For 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.