Tag Archives: Dampier

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon as it moved near the coast of Western Australia on Saturday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was located at latitude 20.3°S and longitude 116.4°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) north-northwest of Karratha, Australia.  Mitchell was moving toward the southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning that was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Whim Creek to Coral Bay.  The Warning included Karratha, Dampier, Onslow, and Exmouth.

A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Coral Bay to Carnarvon.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Saturday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Michell’s circulation.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Mitchell’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Mitchell generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mitchell increased when Mitchell intensified.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Mitchell’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (175 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Mitchell will then move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will intensify during the next 24 hours. .

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Mitchell toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will make landfall in the Exmouth Gulf in less than 24 hours.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell is likely to make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Onslow and Exmouth.  Mitchell will bring strong winds and heavy rain to locations near the Exmouth Gulf.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Gascoyne River, the Ashburton River, the Fortescue River, the Fitzroy River, the Greenough River, the Murchison River, the Wooramel River, the Pilbara Coastal Rivers, and the Yarra Yarra Lakes District.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell Strengthens Near Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell strengthened near the coast of Western Australia on Friday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was located at latitude 18.7°S and longitude 119.4°E which put the center about 145 miles (235 km) north-northeast of Port Hedland, Australia.  Mitchell was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning that was in effect for the portion of the coast from De Grey to Mardie.  The Warning included Port Hedland, Karratha, and Dampier.

A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Onslow to Coral Bay.  The Watch included Exmouth.

A Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened on Friday morning and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated it as Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was strengthening on Friday morning.  New thunderstorms continued to develop near the center of Mitchell’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were also revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell.  Storms near the center of Mitchell generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Mitchell’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Mitchell will then move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Mitchell could intensify rapidly to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Mitchell toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone will be north of Dampier in 24 hours.

The strongest winds in Tropical Cyclone Mitchell will remain north of the coast of Western Australia on Friday.  Bands in the southern half of Mitchell’s circulation could bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Gascoyne River, the Ashburton River, the Fortescue River, the Fitzroy River, and the Pilbara Coastal Rivers.

Tropical Low Prompts Warning for Western Australia

The potential risk posed by a Tropical Low prompted the Australia Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Warning for a portion of the coast of Western Australia on Thursday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of a Tropical Low was located at latitude 17.9°S and longitude 121.5°E which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) west-northwest of Broome, Australia.  The Tropical Low was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Pardoo Roadhouse to Whim Creek.  The Warning included Port Hedland.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Watch for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Whim Creek to Exmouth Gulf.  The Watch included Karratha,Dampier, and Onslow.

A low pressure system strengthened on Thursday when it moved over the South Indian Ocean near Broome, Australia.  The Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as a Tropical Low.  The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the system as Tropical Cyclone 20S.

The Tropical Low started to strengthen on Thursday as soon as it moved over the water in the South Indian Ocean.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of the Tropical Low.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of circulation.  Storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the Tropical Low.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to start to decrease.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will then move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The Tropical Low will intensify during the next 24 hours.  It could intensify rapidly to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

The Tropical Low will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system that is over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the Tropical Low will be north of Port Hedland in 24 hours.

The center of the Tropical Low is likely to stay north of the coast of Western Australia on Friday.  Bands in the southern half of the Tropical Low could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to portions of the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Zelia rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane near the coast of Western Australia on Wednesday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia was located at latitude 19.1°S and longitude 118.1°E which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) north-northwest of Port Hedland, Australia.  Zelia was nearly stationary.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 940 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Thursday.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) formed at the center of Zelia’s circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the center of Zelia and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Zelia was symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Zelia’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Zelia was 28.3.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.4.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Zelia will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle part of an upper level ridge that extends from Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Zelia will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.  Zelia could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Cyclone Zelis could strengthen to the equivalent of Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Zelia slowly toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone will move closer to the coast of Western Australia.  Zelia could approach the coast between Port Hedland and Dampier in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Western Australia.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bidyadanga to Dampier.  The Warning includes Port Hedland, Karratha, De Grey, and Wallal Downs.  The Warning extends inland to Marble Bar.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Dampier to Mardie.  The Watch extends inland to Nullagine and Tom Price.

Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

A Flood Warning is in effect for the De Grey River.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Pilbara coastal Rivers, the Onslow coast, the Fortescue River, the Ashburton River, and parts of the Sandy Desert.

Tropical Low Strengthens to Tropical Cyclone Zelia

A former Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Zelia on Tuesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia was located at latitude 18.7°S and longitude 118.9°E which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) north of Port Hedland, Australia.  Zelia was moving toward the south-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

A former Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened on Tuesday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Zelia’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  Storms near the center of Zelia generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Zelia became more symmetrical on Tuesday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (230 km) from the center of Zelia’s circulation.

A weather station on Rowley Shoals measured a sustained wind speed of 47 kt (54 m.p.h. or 87 km/h) and a wind gust of 64 kt (74 m.p.h. or 119 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Zelia will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle part of an upper level ridge that extends from Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Zelia will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Zelia is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Zelia slowly toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone will move closer to the coast of Western Australia.  Zelia could approach the coast between Wallal Downs and Port Hedland in 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Western Australia.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Broome to Port Hedland.  The Warning includes Wallal Downs and De Grey.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Hedland to Dampier.  The Watch extends inland to Marble Bar.

Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the De Grey River, the Pilbara coastal Rivers, the Fortescue River and parts of the Sandy Desert.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Vince continued to move farther away from Rodrigues and Tropical Cyclone Taliah continued to move farther away from the Cocos Islands.

At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince was located at latitude 29.5°S and longitude 70.3°E which put the center about 805 miles (1295 km) south-southeast of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues.  Vince was moving toward the south-southeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). vThe minimum surface pressure was 971 mb.

At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 16.4°S and longitude 91.5°E which put the center about 435 miles (705 km) southwest of the Cocos Islands.  Taliah was moving toward the south-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Sean Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Sean intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon near the coast of Western Australia on Sunday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean was located at latitude 20.5°S and longitude 113.9°E which put the center about 125 miles (200 km) north of Exmouth, Australia.   Sean was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).   The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Whim Creek to Ningaloo.  The Warning included Karratha, Damoier, Onslow, and Exmouth.

Tropical Cyclone Sea intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon near the coast of Western Australia on Sunday.  A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) formed at the center of Sean’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Sean.  Storms near the core of Sean generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Sean was relatively small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Sean’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean.

Tropical Cyclone Sean will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Sean will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge northwest of Australia.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds are that will blow toward the top of Sean’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Sean will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Sean will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Sean toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Sean will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia.  The center of Sean is forecast to remain over water.

Bands in the southern side of Tropical Cyclone Sea will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.  3.74 inches (95 mm) of rain fell at the Lombadina Airstrip.

A Flood Watch was in effect for the coastal parts of the Kimberley and the Pilbara Districts.  Catchments likely to be affected include the West Kimberley Rivers, the De Grey River, the Pilbara Coastal Rivers, the Fortescue River, the Onslow Coast, and the Lyndon-Minilya Rivers.

Tropical Cyclone Sean Strengthens Near Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Sean strengthened near the coast of Western Australia on Saturday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean was located at latitude 19.7°S and longitude 115.7°E which put the center about 120 miles (195 km) northwest of Karratha, Australia.  Sean was moving toward the west-southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 987 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Whim Creek to Ningaloo.  The Warning included Karratha, Damoier, Onslow, and Exmouth.

A former Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened on Saturday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Sean.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western side of the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean.  A circular eye appeared to be forming at the center of Sean’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean.  Storms near the center of Sean generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Cyclone Sean was relatively symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Sean’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Sean will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Sean will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge northwest of Australia. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds are that will blow toward the top of Sean’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Sean will to intensify during the next 24 hours.  Sean could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Sean will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Sean toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Sean will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia.  The center of Sean is forecast to remain over water.

Bands in the southern side of Tropical Cyclone Sea will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Low Forms Near Western Australia

A Tropical Low formed near the coast of Western Australia on Friday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 19.0°S and longitude 120.0°E which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Port Hedland, Australia.  The tropical low was moving toward the west-southwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from De Grey to Dampier.  The Warning included Port Hedland and Karratha.

A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ningaloo to Dampier.  The Watch included Onslow and Exmouth.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean near the coast of Western Australia developed a well defined center of circulation and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as a Tropical Low.  A ring of thunderstorms was forming around the center of the Tropical Low.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical low.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment favorable for the intensification of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge northwest of Australia.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The only factor that will inhibit the intensification of the Tropical Low is the fact that the center of circulation is near the coast of Western Australia.  Much of the southern part of the Tropical Low is over land.  The Tropical Low is likely to intensify to a named tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.

The Tropical Low will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the Tropical Low will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia.  The center of the Tropical Low is forecast to remain over water.

The Tropical Low will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of Western Australia.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor Churns North-northeast of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor was churning over the South Indian Ocean north-northeast of Mauritius on Tuesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor was located at latitude 15.2°S and longitude 60.6°E which put it about 425 miles (685 km) north-northeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Eleanor was moving toward the south-southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 993 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor strengthened gradually on Tuesday as it churned over the South Indian Ocean north-northeast of Mauritius. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Eleanor’s circulation Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Eleanor will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will intensify during the next 36 hours. Eleanor could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Eleanor toward the south during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will be northeast of Mauritius in 24 hours. Eleanor could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it is northeast of Mauritius.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Cyclone Lincoln moved across northern Australia toward the coast of Western Australia. At 7:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of former Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was located at latitude 15.9°S and longitude 124.6°E which put it about 65 miles (105 km) east-northeast of Cockatoo Island. Lincoln was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Watch for the portion of the coast from Roebourne to Ningaloo. The Watch included Karratha, Dampier, Onslow and Exmouth.

Tropical Cyclone Damien Brings Wind and Rain to Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Damien brought wind and rain to Western Australia on Saturday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Damien was located at latitude 21.7°S and longitude 117.0°E which put it about 60 miles (100 km) south-southeast of Karratha, Australia.  Damien was moving toward the south-southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 962 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Whim Creek to Mardie including Karratha and Dampier.  Flood Warnings were in effect for the Fortescue River and the Coastal Pilbara Rivers.  A Flood Watch was in effect for the Pilbara and Gascoyne District.  An Initial Flood Warning was issued for the Ashburton River.

A weather station at Karratha reported a sustained wind speed of 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h or 78 kt) when the core of Tropical Cyclone Damien passed over it.  The station also reported a wind gust of 114 m.p.h. (183 km/h or 99 kt).  The weather station at Karratha measured 6.14 inches (156 mm) of rain during the passage of Damien.  The minimum pressure was 957 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Damien will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high will steer Damien toward the south-southeast during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Damien could approach Tom Price and Paraburdoo in about 12 hours.  Damien will weaken slowly as it moves farther inland.  It will continue to produce strong winds capable of causing damage during the next 12 to 24 hours  Tropical Cyclone Damien could also drop locally heavy rain over parts of Western Australia during the next several days.