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Overnight, Karatha was battered by winds reaching 100 km/h and soaked by 90 millimeters of rainfall. Meanwhile, Legendre Island experienced powerful gusts up to 169 km/h, and Barrow Island faced a gust peaking at 148 km/h. On the mainland, the storm’s impact uprooted trees and caused rivers to overflow.
The cyclone, classified as a category 2 storm, was on course to make landfall in Exmouth, situated roughly 500 kilometers southwest of Port Hedland, expected to arrive either late tonight or early the following morning.
As the formidable weather system approached, residents braced themselves for its onslaught, characterized by strong winds, large waves, and heavy rainfall.
“We’ve had a productive morning finalizing last-minute preparations. I believe the town is well-prepared and aware of what to expect,” stated Exmouth Shire President Matthew Niikkula.
Currently, around 300 homes and businesses are experiencing power outages. However, hazardous conditions have prevented Horizon Energy crews from safely addressing the issue.
Mitchell was downgraded to category 2 this afternoon but still expected to pack a punch.
“It’s not just the wind risks we’re concerned about,” Bureau of Meteorology WA manager James Ashley said.
“The system will also bring really heavy rainfall, 100 to 200 millimetres over 24 hours.
“So there’s a risk of flash flooding and the rivers flooding through those areas and cutting roads and things like that.”
Karratha, where about 80 addresses were without power, copped 100km/h and 90 millimetres of rain overnight, while Legendre Island recorded 169km/h and a 148km/h gust hit Barrow Island.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Todd Pender said despite the damage, Karrath and Gambier were “very fortunate”.
Some mine sites in the region were evacuated, along with the Blowholes camp site near Carnarvon.Â
The North West Coastal Highway was shut off north of Carnarvon to heavy vehicles and holidaymakers this afternoon, cutting off access to a number of towns, including Exmouth Coral Bay and Onslow.
The storm could still be a category 2 when Coral Bay and Carnarvon feel the impact tomorrow.
WA Premier Roger Cook said it was “just a question of battening down the hatches and allowing the cyclone to run its course, and then we can see what any damage is that needs to be responded to”.
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