Emergency warnings as Tropical Cyclone Mitchell nears Pilbara coast

Severe Tropical Cyclone Mitchell is expected to maintain its category 3 intensity as it moves south-west along the Pilbara coast. Located about 30km offshore west of Karratha, the cyclone had winds near the centre of 120km/h and gusts up to 165km/h on Sunday morning.

Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said it could intensify or slow slightly as it continues over water. Forecasters expect Mitchell to make landfall between Exmouth and Onslow late on Sunday evening or early on Monday morning. A warning zone from Karratha to Cape Cuvier has been declared, and EmergencyWA has issued cyclone emergency warnings from Whim Creek to Onslow urging residents to shelter indoors.

Those areas are most likely to see gale or damaging winds, with very destructive gusts up to 195km/h possible as the cyclone’s core approaches the coast. Widespread moderate to heavy rain, the possibility of flash flooding and abnormally high tides were expected along the west Pilbara coast, with hazards extending to the Gascoyne on Monday.