Road closures issued for the Pilbara

Weather forecasters are expecting a tropical low to move southwest and cross the Pilbara coast this afternoon.

The bureau advised they did not expect the low to reach Tropical Cyclone strength, however, a flood watch still remains for residents in Parts of the Kimberely and Pilbara.

The warnings include residents in Port Hedland, Bidyadanga, Wallal Downs, Whim Creek, Karratha, and surrounding areas.

Pilbara Main Roads have issued road closures and warnings for the following roads:

*Marble Bar road both directions including Shaw River and Abydos Intersection to Mujunia - Roy Hill intersection .

*Nanutarra- Mujina Road both directions from North West Coastal Highway intersection to Paraburdoo Tom Price Road.

*Nanutarra- Mujina Road Paraburdoo- Tom Price Road to Hamersley Drive.

*Nanutarra- Munjina Road from Hamersley Drive to Fortescue Crossing Drive.

*Nanutarra- Munjina Road both directions Fortescue Crossing Drive to Auski Roadhouse.

*Ripon Hills Road both directions from Marble Bar to Telfer turnoff.

Paraburdoo- Tom Price road only open to 4WD’s and trucks both directions from Paraburdoo to Nanutarra Mujina Road.

The following roads are open to all vehicles:

Paraburdoo- Tom Price both directions from Paraburdoo to Tom Price.

North West Coastal Highway both directions from Port Hedland to Fortescue Roadhouse.

Last night, anchorages at Ashburton, Dampier and Port Hedland were cleared.

DFES advises residents to stay indoors if possible, unplug all electrical appliances and if driving be alert and not to drive into water of unknown depth and current.

A tropical low is expected to move southwest and cross the Pilbara coast later today, however it is not expected to reach Tropical Cyclone strength.

At the Port of Port Hedland, shipping operations resumed at 1pm (AWST) today after vessels were cleared from the inner harbour at 10.30pm (AWST) last night.

At the ports of Ashburton and Dampier, the ports and anchorages continue to remain clear of vessels.

Further updates will be issued via email and Twitter when information becomes available.