Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Pilbara district.

Issued at 8:53 am Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
Damaging winds near the central and western Pilbara coast and islands due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Olga.

Weather situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Olga is positioned about 220 km north-northwest of Karratha and is forecast to move in a southwesterly direction, bringing it gradually closer to the Pilbara coastline. The system may maintain an area of strong to gale force winds on its southeastern flank through today and into Thursday morning, and is likely to bring a short period of damaging winds to parts of the central and western Pilbara coastline.

Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely over the Burrup Peninsula and adjacent islands including Barrow Island, extending to Dampier and Karratha during this morning. The risk will extend west along the Pilbara coast later today, and may reach the northern parts of Northwest Cape including Exmouth by early Thursday morning.

Damaging winds are expected to ease over eastern parts of the warning area during this afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Exmouth, Karratha, Onslow, Barrow Island, Cape Preston and Mardie.

In the past six hours:
83 km/h winds with gusts to 102 km/h have been observed at Legendre Island.
80 km/h winds with gusts to 93 km/h have been observed at Varanus Island.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
* Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
* Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
* If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
* Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Be careful of fallen trees, damaged buildings and debris.
* Be careful of fallen power lines. They are dangerous and should always be treated as live.
* Assess your home, car and property for damage.
* If damage has occurred take photos and contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.
* If your home or property has significant damage, like a badly damaged roof or flooding, call the SES on 132 500.