Cyclone Warning Closes Additional Ports In Western Australia’s Pilbara

By Jason Gale

Jan 18, 2025 (Bloomberg) —Pilbara Ports Authority closed the Ports of Dampier, Ashburton, Varanus Island and Cape Preston West late Saturday as Tropical Cyclone Sean formed off the coast of Western Australia’s iron ore-rich region.

The tropical low-pressure system, which has already brought heavy rain to the area, is forecast to intensify further on Monday, potentially reaching category 3 cyclone strength, Pilbara Ports said. The system is expected to bring severe thunderstorms and destructive wind gusts of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) per hour over offshore island communities, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement Sunday.

“The cyclone is expected to be located well to the west of Exmouth and continuing to the southwest, away from the coast,” Pilbara Ports said. “All recreational vessel owners must safely secure their vessels for cyclonic conditions.”

Australia’s largest iron ore export hub, Port Hedland, was also closed Saturday, with all bulk carriers ordered to leave by 6 p.m. local time. The port handles significant volumes of shipments from major miners including BHP Group, Rio Tinto Group, and Fortescue Ltd.

As the cyclone moves westward, parallel to Western Australia’s northern coast, a storm tide is expected between Port Hedland and Exmouth during high tides on Sunday and Monday, potentially causing minor flooding along the coastline. 

“People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbors,” the bureau said.

While the system is expected to remain offshore, it will bring increased rainfall to areas near the Pilbara coast and western Kimberley. Daily totals of 50-100 millimeters (2-4 inches) are possible through Monday, with isolated higher amounts in some areas.

Flooding may disrupt road conditions, likely affecting travel across the West Kimberley and Pilbara coastal areas, including the Minilya-Exmouth Road, from late Sunday onwards, according to the bureau.

(Updates with predicted wind speed and rainfall in second and seventh paragraphs.)

© 2025 Bloomberg L.P.

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