January 20th 2025.
The people of Western Australia are currently facing a dangerous threat from Tropical Cyclone Sean, which has intensified to a category three storm off the northern coast. This record-breaking storm has already brought heavy rainfall to the region, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a warning for the Pilbara area this morning.
Residents in the region are being urged to take immediate shelter as the cyclone is expected to impact the western coast between Mardie and Ningaloo today. The area is also under a flood warning due to the intense rainfall, with some areas experiencing over 100mm of rain and destructive winds.
Karratha, a town in the Pilbara region, has already recorded a whopping 274.4mm of rain in just 24 hours, making it the wettest day on record for any month. This total has even surpassed the town's entire monthly January rainfall record of 263.4mm. The cyclone is currently brewing winds of up to 130km/h and is predicted to strengthen as it moves west parallel to the coast at a speed of 17km/h.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services in WA has issued an emergency warning for residents from Thevernard Island to Ningaloo, including Exmouth and North West Cape. The message is clear - it is too late to leave and residents must seek shelter immediately. The warning also states that there is a threat to lives and homes, and that people in the affected areas are in danger and need to act quickly.
Areas such as Barrow Island and Mardie to Ningaloo are currently under a cyclone watch and act warning, while Whim Creek to Mardie is under a cyclone advice stay informed warning. As the storm moves westwards, a storm tide is expected between Onslow and Exmouth during this afternoon's high tide. Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions to protect their properties from potential flooding.
While the storm is tracking to become a category four cyclone later today, it is expected to be well off the coast by then. Cyclone Sean is the second cyclone to hit the Australian region this season, following Cyclone Robyn in Indonesia back in November. On average, there are about nine to eleven tropical cyclones within Australia's area of responsibility in a season.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the state, a 3.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Meckering, northeast of Perth, yesterday afternoon. This caused some concern among the residents, with over 400 people reporting feeling the tremors, according to Geoscience Australia.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is important for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The 9NEWS app is a great resource for staying updated on the latest news, sports, politics, and weather. It is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Let's all stay safe and stay informed during this challenging time.
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