| TROPICAL LOW 15U: UPDATE 7 FEBRUARY 2017 Dampier & Port Hedland, Australia |
| Tropical low 15U: Update 7 February 2017 |
| Tuesday, February 7, 2017, Dampier & Port Hedland, Australia |
| Dampier and Port Hedland are currently at Cyclone Response Stage 2 (Prepare) Tropical Low 15U is expected bring gales to the area later in the week.
Cyclone Response Stage 2 involves extensive communications and consultation between the Harbour Masters, Port Terminal Operators, Port users and Pilots. Operational plans, sailing drafts, tidal requirements and intentions will be discussed and evaluated against possible response scenarios. The weather system is expected to move south-westerly today over the waters north of the Pilbara coast. However, as it is currently weak, it is not expected to reach tropical cyclone intensity today (7 February). Most guidance has the system crossing the coast at some stage tomorrow (Wednesday 8 February), most likely during the afternoon or evening. This means it probably won’t spend enough time over water to reach tropical cyclone intensity. Gales are still likely, however, in northern and eastern quadrants due to the interaction between the system and a monsoon flow to the north. By Thursday the system should be tracking across the western Pilbara, most likely inland from the coast. Gales are still possible over waters to the north of the low, due to its large size and the continued monsoonal flow. The system is likely to bring significant rainfall with it, particularly to the north of the low. For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com |
