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.
10/Apr/2024 01:00 AM