Tag Archives: Karratha

Tropical Cyclone Taliah Forms Northwest of Australia

Tropical Cyclone Taliah formed over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Sunday.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 115.8°E which put the center about 445 miles (720 km) north of Karratha, Australia.  Taliah was moving toward the west 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 988 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia strengthened on Sunday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Taliah.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Taliah was organizing rapidly.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Taliah’s circulation and an eye appeared to be forming at the center of Taliah.  The strongest wind were occurring in the part of the rainband around the center of circulation.  Storms near the center of Taliah 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 Taliah was fairly large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Taliah’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Taliah will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Taliah will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge west of Australia.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Taliah will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Taliah is likely to intensify rapidly to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Taliah will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that extends from Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Talia toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Taliah will move farther away from Western Australia.

 

Tropical Cyclone Sean Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Sean rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South Indian Ocean west of Australia on Monday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean was located at latitude 23.0°S and longitude 110.4°E which put the center about 210 miles (340 km) west of Exmouth, Australia.  Sean was moving toward the southwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 936 mb.

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

Tropical Cyclone Sean rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane west of Australia on Monday.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) was 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 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 Sean was relatively small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Sean’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (175 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Sean was 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 37.7.  Tropical Cyclone Sean was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017.

Tropical Cyclone Sean will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Sean will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the eastern part of an upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level trough will produce northwesterly winds are that will blow toward the top of Sean’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  The combination of cooler water and  more vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Sean to weaken 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 southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Sean will move a little farther away from the coast of Western Australia.

Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Sea will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.  10.78 inches (274 mm) of rain has already fallen at the Karratha Airport.  4.37 inches (111 mm) of rain has already fallen at the Mardie Airport.

Flood Warnings were in effect for parts of the Pilbara and northern Gascoyne regions.  A Flood Warning was in effect for the Lyndon-Minilya Rivers. 

 

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 Olga Weakens

Tropical Cyclone Olga weakened over the South Indian Ocean north of Western Australia on Monday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga was located at latitude 17.5°S and longitude 117.2°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) north of the Karratha, Australia. Olga was moving toward the 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 994 mb.

Strong vertical wind shear caused Tropical Cyclone Olga to weaken steadily on Monday. An upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean west of Australia produced strong northwesterly winds that blew toward the top of Olga’s circulation. Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear. The wind shear caused the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Olga to become asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Olga’s circulation. Bands in the other parts of Tropical Cyclone Olga consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The strong vertical wind shear also caused the pattern of wind speeds around Tropical Cyclone Olga to become asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (235 km) in the southern half of Olga’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 75 miles in the northern half of Tropical Cyclone Olga.

Tropical Cyclone Olga will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Olga will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. However, the upper level trough west of Australia will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Olga to continue to weaken.

Tropical Cyclone Olga will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Olga toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Olga will gradually move closer to the coast of Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Olga brought strong gusty winds to the area around Rowley Shoals. A weather station on Rowley Shoals reported a sustained wind speed of 48 m.p.h. (78 km/h) and a wind gust of 61 m.p.h. (98 km/h). Olga could bring strong gusty winds to Barrow Island during the next 24 hours.

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.

Strengthening Tropical Cyclone Damien Nears Western Australia

Strengthening Tropical Cyclone Damien neared the coast of Western Australia on Friday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Damien was located at latitude 19.4°S and longitude 116.6°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) north-northwest of Karratha, Australia.  Damien was moving toward the south-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 963 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from De Grey to Onslow including Dampier, Karratha and Port Hedland.  Initial Flood Warnings were in effect for the Coastal Pilbara Rivers.  A Flood Watch was in effect for the Pilbara and Gascoyne District.

Tropical Cyclone Damien continued to strengthen quickly on Friday.  A circular eye developed at the center of Damien.  A narrow ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Damien.  Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Damien was relatively small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Damien was 16.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 26.4.  Damien was capable of causing localized serious damage.

Tropical Cyclone Damien will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Damien will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over Australia.  The ridge will produce northerly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent Tropical Cyclone Damien from strengthening.  Damien could intensify into the equivalent of a major hurricane before it reaches the coast of Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Damien will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high will steer Damien toward the south during the next several days.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Damien could make landfall on the coast of Western Australia near Dampier and Karratha in about 12 hours.  Damien will be capable of causing serious wind damage.  It will also produce a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) between Port Hedland and Dampier where the wind blows the water toward the coast.  The highest storm surge will occur near where the center makes landfall.  Tropical Cyclone Damien will also drop locally heavy rain and flash floods could occur in parts of Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Develops Near Western Australia, Watch Issued

A tropical cyclone currently designated as 14S (SH14) developed near the coast of Western Australia on Wednesday and a Watch was issued for a portion of the coast.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone 14S was located at latitude 17.1°S and longitude 120.2°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) north-northeast of Port Hedland, Australia.  The tropical cyclone was moving toward the west-southwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.  A Watch was issued for a portion of the coast of Western Australia from Wallal Downs to Onslow including Port Hedland, Karratha and Dampier.

A Tropical Low previously located over Western Australia moved westward over the South Indian Ocean on Wednesday and it strengthened into Tropical Cyclone 14S.  The circulation around the tropical cyclone was still organizing on Wednesday night.  More thunderstorms were forming near the center of circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were developing and the bands were revolving around the center of the tropical cyclone.  Storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone 14S will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours.  The tropical cyclone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move under the northwestern part of an upper level ridge centered over northern Australia.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone 14S will continue to intensify and it could strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon in 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone 14S will move around the northwestern end of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high will steer the tropical cyclone toward the west-southwest during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Tropical Cyclone 14S will turn more toward the south on Friday when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone 14S could approach the coast of Western Australia between Port Hedland and Karratha in about 48 hours.  It will likely be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Francisco formed northeast of Rodrigues.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Francisco was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 70.4°E which put it about 485 miles (785 km) east-northeast of Port Mathurin, Mauritius.  Francisco was moving toward the east-southeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 998 mb.