Australias Biggest Bulk Export Port Evacuates Vessels amid Cyclone Threat

Pilbara Ports Authority Pilbara Ports Authority has commenced evacuating the inner and outer anchorages at Australias largest iron ore export port of Port Hedland as a tropical low continues to track toward the Pilbara coast in a southerly direction. The evacuation of vessels at both anchorages is expected to be complete by midday (AWST), the port authority said. The Port of Dampier is expected to begin evacuating vessels from the outer anchorage from 6pm tonight. At the moment, Dampier port is at “Cyclone stage 2” basis. The Port of Ashburton remains open, however PPA said it would continue to monitor weather conditions to react if necessary. The tropical low pressure, 315km from Port Hedland, was last reported to be heading in a southerly direction at 6 knots. Heavy rainfall is expected once the system makes landfall and begins to weaken rapidly late Friday night/early Saturday morning. No community alerts have been issued as yet, however a blue alert may be declared later today, according to GAC Australia.