Western Australia’s Port of Broome has closed to shipping in anticipation of cyclonic impact.
The port was scheduled to close at 15:30 local time on January 10, according to a marine notice issued by Kimberley Ports Authority.
Severe weather warning signage has been placed at the Entrance Point boat ramps closing the ramps to recreational users. The public access walkway along the jetty neck is also closed, the port authority said.
The port authority added that the port’s radio will be unattended during this period.
What is more, Pilbara Ports Authority has activated its cyclone response plans for a tropical low north of Broome, which is expected to become a tropical cyclone by January 11, 2018.
The Port of Port Hedland remains at Cyclone Alert Stage 1 – Monitor.
As informed, the Port of Port Hedland may commence clearing the port in the morning of January 11 if the tropical low intensifies overnight.
At the ports of Ashburton and Dampier, Pilbara Ports Authority said it will continue to monitor the weather system.
The developing tropical low is moving offshore from the west Kimberley coast, accompanied by rainfall and gale force winds. By the end of the week, the potential cyclone might reach the severe category three cyclone intensity, with wind gusts above 165 km/h, according to the country’s Bureau of Meteorology.