Overnight, the town of Karratha experienced harsh weather, battered by winds reaching 100 km/h and receiving a significant 90 millimeters of rain. Meanwhile, Legendre Island faced even more powerful winds of 169 km/h, and Barrow Island recorded a gust of 148 km/h. On the mainland, the fierce conditions resulted in uprooted trees and flooding rivers.

This intense weather system, a category 2 cyclone, was projected to make landfall in Exmouth, located approximately 500 kilometers southwest of Port Hedland. The cyclone was expected to hit either late tonight or early tomorrow, prompting residents to remain vigilant.

As the cyclone approached the coast, it brought with it gale-force winds, large waves, and heavy rainfall. Exmouth Shire President Matthew Niikkula noted the community’s readiness, stating, “We’ve had a good morning of preparation, taking care of those last-minute tasks. I believe the town is well-prepared and understands what lies ahead.”

Despite these preparations, around 300 homes and businesses were already experiencing power outages. However, the dangerous conditions made it unsafe for Horizon Energy crews to venture out for repairs.

Although Cyclone Mitchell was downgraded to a category 2 storm this afternoon, it continued to pose a significant threat, demonstrating that it still packed a powerful punch.

Mitchell was downgraded to category 2 this afternoon but still expected to pack a punch.

“It’s not just the wind risks we’re concerned about,” Bureau of Meteorology WA manager James Ashley said.

“The system will also bring really heavy rainfall, 100 to 200 millimetres over 24 hours.

“So there’s a risk of flash flooding and the rivers flooding through those areas and cutting roads and things like that.”

Karratha, where about 80 addresses were without power, copped 100km/h and 90 millimetres of rain overnight, while Legendre Island recorded 169km/h and a 148km/h gust hit Barrow Island.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services district officer Todd Pender said despite the damage, Karrath and Gambier were “very fortunate”.

Some mine sites in the region were evacuated, along with the Blowholes camp site near Carnarvon. 

The North West Coastal Highway was shut off north of Carnarvon to heavy vehicles and holidaymakers this afternoon, cutting off access to a number of towns, including Exmouth Coral Bay and Onslow.

The storm could still be a category 2 when Coral Bay and Carnarvon feel the impact tomorrow.

WA Premier Roger Cook said it was “just a question of battening down the hatches and allowing the cyclone to run its course, and then we can see what any damage is that needs to be responded to”.

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