Tropical Cyclone Sean has intensified into a powerful Category 3 storm, unleashing record-breaking rainfall and prompting urgent warnings along Western Australia’s northern coast. Authorities are urging residents in the Pilbara region to stay indoors immediately, as the storm poses a serious threat to lives and property.
The Bureau of Meteorology upgraded the alert for the area this morning, highlighting the cyclone’s impact on the western coast from Mardie to Ningaloo. Torrential rains exceeding 100mm, along with destructive winds, have put the region under a flood warning.
Karratha has already seen an unprecedented 274.4mm of rain in just 24 hours, shattering its all-time wettest day record. To put it into perspective, that’s more than the town’s entire January monthly average of 263.4mm, according to WeatherZone.
Currently, Cyclone Sean is packing winds up to 130km/h and is moving west along the Pilbara coast at 17km/h. Forecasters expect it to turn southwest later today, moving further away from land. However, the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued an emergency warning for residents from Thevernard Island to Ningaloo, including Exmouth and North West Cape.
The message is clear: it’s too late to evacuate. Residents are being told to shelter indoors immediately. "There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately," reads the department’s urgent notice.
Meanwhile, areas like Barrow Island and Mardie to Ningaloo remain under a cyclone watch, while Whim Creek to Mardie is under an advisory to stay informed.
Adding to the region’s woes, a storm tide is expected between Onslow and Exmouth during the afternoon’s high tide. Large waves may lead to minor flooding along the foreshore, and locals are being urged to protect their properties.
The storm could escalate to a Category 4 later today, but by then, it’s expected to be well off the coast. Cyclone Sean marks the second cyclone of the 2024/25 season in the Australian region, following Cyclone Robyn near Indonesia in November.
In a surprising twist, the wild weather wasn’t the only event shaking WA. A 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck Meckering, northeast of Perth, at around 3:10 pm yesterday. Over 400 residents reported feeling the tremors, according to Geoscience Australia.
For now, residents in affected areas are bracing for what’s next, as Cyclone Sean continues its path of destruction along WA’s northern coastline. Stay safe, stay informed, and take all necessary precautions.
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