In preparation for a possible tropical cyclone, Broome Port was closed to shipping at 1700 hours local time yesterday (18 January) and Port Hedland is considering port evacuation from today (19 January).
A Tropical Low is currently over land in the northern Kimberley and is tracking south-westerly towards the coast. The system is forecast to move over open water on Monday and has the potential to develop into a Tropical Cyclone.
The latest advice from the Burea of Meteorology is that current conditions are unfavourable for formation due to high level wind shear, however there remains a small window of opportunity for Tropical Cyclone formation on Monday.
The Broome Harbour Master advises that only vessels on cyclone moorings are to remain in port and should immediately contact Broome Port on VHF 14 stating how many persons are on board. A further update will be issued at 0500 hours tomorrow on Monday.
The Harbour Master at Port Hedland states that port users should start early preparations for possible evacuation tomorrow after if the system forms and looks to represent an impact threat. Shipping agents should ensure vessel are ready to depart if required.
Port Hedland remains on BLUE Alert and a cyclone warning is current from Kuri Bay to Port Hedland.
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com