Cyclone alert cancelled for WA’s Pilbara

Residents of Western Australia’s Pilbara region are being advised it is safe to return home with a tropical low no longer expected to reach cyclone intensity.

An all-clear alert has been issued for an area spanning from Exmouth to Carnarvon in the Midwest-Gascoyne region.

“The tropical low is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone, as it is expected to remain inland until later on Thursday when it moves off the Gascoyne coast,” the Bureau of Meteorology said on Tuesday.

Residents are advised to take care on the roads, avoid fallen powerlines and trees and not to drive through floodwaters.

A severe weather warning remains in place for a broader area spanning from Karratha to Carnarvon.

Residents are being urged to prepare for wind gusts up to 100 km/h and heavy rain, including isolated falls of up to 200mm.

People are being warned to secure boats, caravans and other loose items outside including LPG bottles, and have their emergency kits ready.

Authorities said residents should check in with friends and neighbours, while visitors and tourists should leave the warning area.

A flood warning is in place for the West Kimberley district, and minor flood warnings have been issued for the Fitzroy River and De Grey River catchment.

A flood watch is current for the Sandy Desert and Pilbara catchments.