Forecasters are warning of a major storm surge when a category two tropical cyclone hits the Pilbara.
CYCLONE Christine has intensified to a Category Three storm off WA's North West coast and is expected to bring destructive winds of more than 200km/h when it hits the Pilbara late tonight or early tomorrow.
At 5pm Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine was 75km north, north-west of Port Hedland and 155km north-east of Karratha and moving south-southwest at 16km/h towards the Pilbara coast.
The very destructive inner core of Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine has begun to impact the coast between Port Hedland and Whim Creek.
Port Hedland is currently experiencing destructive wind gusts to 130km/h as the system makes its closest approach to that area.
Cyclone Christine is expected to continue on a south southwest track and the centre is likely to cross the coast close to Whim Creek by about midnight.
Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth
Very destructive gusts in excess of 200km/h are likely near the centre as the cyclone crosses the coast.
Port Hedland has had about 20mm of rain today but is expecting heavier falls in the next 24 hours as the cyclone crosses the coast.
Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected between Whim Creek and Port Hedland later this afternoon and continue overnight.
These winds should extend to the Karratha and Dampier region later tonight and extend well inland overnight and Tuesday as the cyclone moves south.
Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. This was taken about 7pm. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth
Gales with gusts to 120km/h, together with heavy rainfall, are occurring between Bidyadanga and Whim Creek including Port Hedland and adjacent inland areas and should extend west to Karratha by this evening and then to the inland Pilbara overnight and possibly as far west as Onslow.
People on the coast between Pardoo and Wickham including Port Hedland are warned of the potential for a very dangerous storm tide tonight.
Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.
Christine has already brought massive rainfalls to the Kimberley with Broome recording 97mm in 24 hours to 9am today, Lombadina 116mm and West Roebuck 86mm.
Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth
Widespread heavy rainfall is expected near the cyclone track and Flood Warnings have been issued for much of the Pilbara and Kimberley.
Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected to extend well inland on Monday night and Tuesday as the cyclone moves south.
People on the coast between Pardoo and Wickham are warned of the potential for
a very dangerous storm tide tonight and Tuesday morning. Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.
A satellite image showing category three Cyclone Christine bearing down on the Pilbara coast. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology
DFES State Emergency Service (SES) advises of the following community alerts:
RED ALERT: People in or near coastal areas between Pardoo and Mardie, including Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha and Dampier. You need to immediately head to shelter and stay indoors away from doors and windows.
A red alert will be issues for Tom Price and Paraburdoo at 7pm.
Tropical Cyclone Christine's expected path as it crosses the Pilbara coast late today or early Tuesday. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology
YELLOW ALERT: People in inland areas including Marble Bar, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica. You need to take action and get ready to shelter from the Cyclone.
BLUE ALERT: People in or near coastal areas between Wallal and Pardoo and between Mardie and Onslow and the inland area from Marble Bar to Newman and between the Collier Ranges and Three Rivers incluiding Kumarina and east to Granite Peak, need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.
Trucks line up in the Pilbara as dust brings an eerie light in the days before Cyclone Christine threatens the coast. Picture: Oz Cyclone Chasers
People needing SES assistance can call 132 500. In a life threatening situation call 000. For more safety tips visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au
MINING OPERATIONS CLOSE DOWN
Australia's biggest iron ore miners have stopped loading ships and suspended rail operations as cyclone Christine heads towards the Pilbara coast.
An eerie light over the Pilbara as Cyclone Christine threatens to unleash its 200km/h fury tonight. Picture: Oz Cyclone Chasers
A cyclone warning has been issued for coastal areas from Bidyadanga to Onslow, including Port Hedland, Karratha and Onslow, and extending inland to Paraburdoo.
BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group have suspended their port operations in the region.
BHP said ``tie-down'' activities at Port Hedland, Australia's largest iron ore export port, have been completed.
``Extreme weather preparations continue across our mining operations in line with alerts issued by Department of Fire and Emergency Services,'' BHP said in a statement.
``Any production impacts will be in our next operational report.''
The highest priority is to ensure the safety of employees, BHP said.
Rio Tinto said ship loading had now stopped, but mine and rail operations continue to operate as normal.
Fortescue Metals Group said its Port Hedland operations and rail operations had been secured, in line with the company's cyclone readiness procedures.
``Conditions are being closely monitored and plans will be updated accordingly,'' the company said.
KARIJINI CLOSED
The Department of Parks and Wildlife advises that Karijini National Park in the Shire of Ashburton will be closed until further notice from 12pm today due to Cyclone Christine.
Gales, destructive winds and heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Christine are expected in the region today and tomorrow.
PILBARA HEALTH SERVICES
The WA Country Health Service Pilbara wishes to advise residents of Karratha, Port Hedland and surrounding districts of health service access in the lead up to and during Cyclone Christine.
During Yellow Alert, people in Karratha requiring urgent medical care can access Nickol Bay Hospital however, it is recommended that only emergency patients or those requiring urgent care come to the hospital during this time.
As is usual practice in the lead up to a cyclone, an emergency medical team will be managing patients and where possible, transferring to other hospitals that are not in the predicted path of the cyclone.
Upon Red Alert status, an Emergency Medical Response Team will be located in the Karratha Leisureplex (Cyclone Evacuation Centre) immediately adjacent to Nickol Bay Hospital. This is where more people and services are expected to locate to ensure safe refuge.
Please do not go to Nickol Bay Hospital during a Red Alert. Medical staff will only be available at the Karratha Leisureplex.
Port Hedland residents are advised that they can seek urgent medical attention at the Hedland Health Campus.
Residents can keep up to date with Tropical Cyclone forecasts by checking the BoM website.
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