Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 2:41 am WST on Saturday 18 January 2025

Headline:
A tropical low (11U) is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone north of the Pilbara this weekend, with peripheral impacts along the Pilbara coast.

Areas Affected:
Warning Zone
De Grey to Dampier, including Port Hedland, Karratha, and Dampier.

Watch Zone
Ningaloo to Dampier, including Onslow and Exmouth.

Cancelled Zone
None.

A tropical low has formed to the north of the Pilbara coast. The environment is conducive to development and the low has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone on Sunday. The developing low is expected to move on a westward track, parallel to the coast, remaining offshore to the north of the Pilbara during the weekend. Early next week, the cyclone is expected to continue on a southwest track, moving well away from the WA mainland coast.

Hazards:
GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS may develop about coastal and island communities between De Grey and Dampier from early Sunday as the low intensifies to the north of the coast.

GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS may extend from Dampier to Exmouth overnight Sunday and Exmouth to Ningaloo early Monday as the system moves further west.

As the system moves westwards, parallel to north WA coast during the weekend, a storm tide is expected between De Grey and Exmouth during Sunday and Monday. Large waves may produce minor flooding along the foreshore. People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours.

Recommended Action:
Ensure you know what to do in a cyclone. For the latest DFES community alerts and warnings visit emergency.wa.gov.au or download the Emergency WA app.

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