Monday, December 21st, 2009
Cyclone update
This advice from FESA:
Time of issue: 3.55pm
Date of issue: 21 December 2009
Red Alert for Sandfire Roadhouse to Pardoo and inland
A RED ALERT is current for people in or near communities from Sandfire Roadhouse to Pardoo and inland to Yarrie and surrounding areas including Eighty Mile Beach, Wallal and Mandora station.
You need to go immediately to the strongest safest part of your house or shelter. Keep your emergency kit with you. Stay away from doors and windows that should be closed.
A YELLOW ALERT is current for people in or near the communities of Marble Bar, Nullagine, Telfer and inland and surrounding areas.
You need to take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone. Fasten all cyclone screens, secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, outdoor furniture, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles. Move vehicles under cover. Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area. Pack a relocation kit to be taken with your emergency kit
A BLUE ALERT is current for people in or near the communities of De Grey to Port Hedland and inland to surrounding areas.
You need to prepare for dangerous weather. Secure or remove loose material from around your home. Ensure your emergency kit is complete and check your family knows what to do.
A CYCLONE WATCH is current for inland parts of the southwest Kimberley and eastern Pilbara, extending inland to the WA border and including Warburton and Giles.
You should prepare your home inside and out. Keep up to date with the development of the cyclone through radio, television or the internet.
ALL CLEAR is current for people in or near Bidyadanga.
Wind and storm surge dangers have passed but take care to avoid the dangers caused by damage such as fallen powerlines, trees, broken water and sewerage lines, loose roof sheeting and other material.
CYCLONE LOCATION
At 2pm Severe Tropical Cyclone Laurence, Category 5, was estimated to be
35 kilometres north of Wallal and 230 kilometres east northeast of Port Hedland.
It was moving south southeast at nine kilometres per hour.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Laurence will cross the coast near Wallal during this afternoon and evening.
Very destructive winds will occur on the Pilbara-Kimberley coast this afternoon and will extend inland this evening.
People in the area are specifically warned of the dangerous storm tide expected as the cyclone centre approaches the coast. This may involve damaging waves and dangerous flooding.
Destructive winds are expected to extend inland overnight and during Tuesday, possibly reaching as far inland as Telfer.
ROAD CLOSURES
The following roads are closed:
Gibb River Road
Cape Leveque Road
Great Northern Highway between Roebuck Roadhouse near Broome to Port Hedland
Great Northern Highway from Marble Bar turn off to Roebuck Roadhouse near Broome
Advanced notice is given that by 5pm tonight the Marble Bar to Ripon Hills Road is likely to be closed. Later this afternoon the Great Northern Highway-Marble Bar turn off related closure could extend as far as Port Hedland airport.
Travellers should stay in regional towns such as Broome, Port Hedland, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing until the cyclone passes.
Before travelling check with local WA Police or Main Roads WA on 138 138 on road closures and inland roads may become affected as the cyclone crosses the coast.
Our Sponsors
Our Sponsors
