Tropical cyclone Damian to hit Pilbara coast

The Pilbara coast is bracing for a tropical cyclone predicted to hit over the weekend, which could bring serious flooding due to abnormally high tides.

Tropical Cyclone Damien is forecast to develop further and turn towards the Pilbara coast on Friday.

Gales are expected on the Pilbara coast later on Friday ahead of a severe cyclone impact on Saturday.

Gales are forecast to develop along the Pilbara coast between Wallal Downs and Dampier including Port Hedland and Karratha from later Friday afternoon.

Destructive winds with wind gusts to 150 kilometres per hour may develop overnight Friday night as the cyclone approaches the coast, increasing further on Saturday with wind gusts to 230 kilometres per hour near the cyclone centre.

The Pilbara Education Regional Office has advised these schools will be closed tomorrow:

Baler Primary School, Baynton West Primary School, Cassia Education Support Centre, Cassia Primary School, Dampier Primary School, Hedland Senior High School, Karratha Primary School, Karratha Senior High School, Millars Well Primary School, Pannawonica Primary School, Pegs Creek Primary School, Port Hedland Primary School, Port Hedland School of the Air, Roebourne Child and Parent Centre, Roebourne District High School, South Hedland Primary School, Tambrey Primary School, Wickham Primary School, Yandeyarra Remote Community School.

In addition, the Pilbara Education and Regional Office will also be closed tomorrow.

If the cyclone tracks further to the west then gales may develop Saturday morning west of Dampier to Onslow.

Abnormally high tides could cause serious flooding at the coast between Dampier and Wallal including Karratha and Port Hedland on Saturday.

A blue alert has been issued for people in or near Port Hedland to Mardie including the Town of Port Hedland, Whim Creek, Point Samson, Wickham, Roebourne, Karratha, Dampier and Pannawonica need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.

Heavy rain is likely to cause flooding in the Pilbara and Gascoyne as the cyclone moves inland over the weekend.

Meanwhile, in both Hedland and Karratha shopping centres have been packed with people making last minute preparations.

Both town’s meat and vegetable sections have been almost completely emptied, and of course, shopping trolleys full of water have been seen exiting stores.

Refer to Flood Watch at: http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings/