A tropical cyclone has formed off Australia’s western coast, as eastern states deal with the fallout from damaging storms and continuing rain.
Tropical Cyclone Sean was declared on Sunday morning north of the Pilbara Coast in Western Australia, with the category one storm expected to strengthen.
The cyclone has halted iron ore exports across much of the Pilbara, where about 43 per cent of the global iron ore trade and 7.5 per cent of the global LNG trade is sent from.
A storm tide is expected between Port Hedland and Exmouth as the cyclone progresses.
“With those very strong gale force winds and a bit of swell around, it’s going to be very rough seas,” Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Luke Huntington said.
Loading
The Bureau of Meteorology said damaging wind gusts and heavy rain were possible in Port Hedland, Karratha and Dampier.
The Port of Port Hedland has been closed with all boats to leave tonight.
Meanwhile, the south-west is preparing for extreme heatwave conditions.
Temperatures are forecast to climb as high as 42 degrees next week.
AAP with Nine News Perth
Read the full article here
