Source: Bureau of Meteorology

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 13
Issued at 8:51 am WST on Sunday 19 January 2025

Headline:
Tropical Cyclone Sean has formed north of the Pilbara coast.

Areas Affected:
Warning Zone
Whim Creek to Ningaloo, including Karratha, Dampier, Onslow and Exmouth.

Watch Zone
None.

Cancelled Zone
Port Hedland to Whim Creek.

Details of Tropical Cyclone Sean 11U at 8:00 am AWST:
Intensity: Category 1, sustained winds near the centre of 85 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 120 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 30 kilometres of 19.6 degrees South 116.1 degrees East, estimated to be 275 kilometres west northwest of Port Hedland and 150 kilometres north northwest of Karratha.

Movement: west southwest at 13 kilometres per hour.

Tropical Cyclone Sean has formed north of the Pilbara coast this morning. Sean is expected to continue moving west, parallel to the Pilbara coast, while continuing to strengthen. From Monday onwards, the cyclone is expected to turn towards the southwest, while remaining over open waters. By this time, the cyclone is expected to begin moving away from the coast.

Hazards:
GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS are occurring or imminent about coastal and island communities between Whim Creek and Mardie, including Karratha and Dampier. These GALES are expected to extend west to Ningaloo, including Onslow and Exmouth, later today and tonight.

DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS may occur over offshore island communities later today, and about the North West Cape early tomorrow, if the cyclone tracks a little further south than expected.

As the cyclone moves westwards, parallel to the north WA coast, a storm tide is expected between Port Hedland and Exmouth during the afternoon's high tide today and tomorrow. 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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