Cyclone Sean: West Aussies told to expect wild weather as tropical cyclone develops off Pilbara coast

West Australians are being warned to brace for wild weather as a tropical cyclone dubbed Sean develops off the State’s north coast.

A tropical low sitting off the Pilbara region is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone on Sunday afternoon.

While it’s not expected to cross the coast, the Bureau of Meteorology said it will intensify to a category 3 cyclone by Monday and be close enough to land to significantly affect weather.

Heavy rainfall in excess of 100mm had already been seen around Broome in the Kimberley region by around 12.30pm on Saturday, senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said.

“Across areas of the Pilbara, you can see widespread shower and thunderstorm activity through coastal areas,” Mr Narramore said.

“The very strong winds at this stage are looking to stay offshore, thankfully.

“But still pretty windy conditions, severe thunderstorms and showers for much of the Pilbara coast as we move through Saturday night and Sunday.”

Once the low became a cyclone, the fiercest weather will be around Karratha, Roebourne, Onslow and Exmouth, with damaging gusts up to 100km/h.

Duty forecaster Luke Huntington said there was potential for flash flooding.

“But we’re not expecting any riverine flooding, just that quick flash flooding,” he said.

The cyclone is expected to be moving southwest and away from the WA coast from Monday.

“Continuing off into the Indian Ocean, it will be well away from the WA mainland,” Mr Huntington said.

“We’re very confident that it will stay offshore.”

Pilbara Ports have closed the Port of Port Hedland on Monday, ordering all boats in the inner port to leave by 6pm Saturday.

The Port added: “All recreational vessel owners must safely secure their vessels for cyclonic conditions.”

City of Karratha advises that is has closed to all vehicles the following roads: Fortescue River Road, 40 Mile Road, Harding Dam River Road/Woodbrook Road, Cleaverville Road, Millers Road, Roebourne-Wittenoom Road, Balla Balla Road and Cherratta Road.

Roebourne District SES is helping locals who want to sandbag their properties, warning the community to not be complacent.

Emergency WA have urged people in northern WA communities to start preparing by following the advice below:

• Review your cyclone plan and home maintenance, and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do.
• Check your emergency kit has key items like a first aid kit and an AM/FM radio that runs off batteries.
• Don’t go out on the water when a cyclone is forecast, as conditions can change rapidly and without notice. Secure your boat in a safe location to reduce the risk of damage.

Mr Huntington said WA copped one severe coastal crossing every wet season on average.

TC Sean will be the first to impact WA since April 2023 when powerful Cyclone Ilsa tore through the Pilbara, damaging many homes and buildings, including the well-known Pardoo Roadhouse.