Posted on 01/08/2006 8:06:32 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
EVACUATIONS have begun in Western Australia's Pilbara region, key ports are closed and mining operations are shutting down as Cyclone Clare bears down on the state's northwest coast.
The category-three cyclone is expected to intensify before it hits the coast between Dampier and Karratha tonight.
State Emergency Services (SES) spokeswoman Neta Gill said officers had started doorknocking low-lying homes in Karratha and Wickham, urging people to evacuate to emergency centres.
"It is a precaution because the cyclone looks like crossing at high tide later today," she said.
Dampier port harbourmaster Vic Justice said final preparations were underway ahead of the cyclone's expected landfall.
"All of the terminals in the port of Dampier were cleared, the vessels all put to sea and they've gone well seaward, clear of the path of the cyclone," he told the ABC.
The port of Karratha had also been shut down, Bureau of Meteorology manager of public weather Neil Bennett said. "Obviously with these systems you have not only the strong winds but also a storm tide that could lead to flooding, which would be a problem inland for the mining industry," he said.
"And the strong winds and the height of waves would affect oil and gas operations.
"The cyclone may reach category four some time this evening, that's a distinct possibility, before it hits somewhere in the vicinity of Karratha and Dampier."
Pilbara Iron yesterday began securing its operations at the Dampier port.
"If indeed we move to standby later on this morning, the next stage after that is complete shutdown where we move all people off-site, except for the essential staff to keep power and those kinds of things running," the company's external affairs manager, Matthew Coomber, told the ABC.
"The site will be locked up, so that will be the next stage and I'm not sure when that will be at this stage."
The bureau said Clare's position at 8am (WST) was 195km north-northwest of Port Hedland, and 235km north-northeast of Karratha, moving southwest at about 16km/h.
Gales packing gusts of up to 120km/h are expected to develop in coastal areas between De Grey and Mardie today, including the communities at Port Hedland and Karratha.
The bureau said very destructive winds were likely when the system crossed the coast, possibly reaching 240km/h if the system intensifies further as expected.
WA's cyclone season runs between November and April, with most activity in the latter half of the period.
A typical WA season produces five cyclones off the northwest coast, with about two impacts, at least one being a severe tropical cyclone.
Got to admit, he looks pretty pleased with himself!
Well, all our beer are belong to him!
Prayers sent for those affected.
Ozzal warming! Sharks and minorities hit hardest! Bush on vacation! Also that Australian guy, Howard or something, on vacation!
Yeah, it's January - the whole bloody country's on holidays!
Prayers up for our Aussie pals down under. I hope Clare is nothing but hot air and minor damage.
Its Katrina all over again /sarcasm
That guy has got to be the worst looter. Some people got laptops, big screen TV's, food even.... heck apparently some got taxpayers to fund motel rooms for months... and this guy got... some beer
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