Pilbara Ports Authority has closed the Ports of Dampier, Ashburton, Varanus Island, and Cape Preston West as Tropical Cyclone Sean strengthens off Western Australia's iron ore-rich coast. The closures, initiated late Saturday, aim to safeguard vessels and infrastructure as the cyclone intensifies.
The low-pressure system, already bringing heavy rain, is forecast to reach category 3 cyclone strength by Monday, according to Pilbara Ports. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned of destructive winds up to 150 km/h (93 mph), severe thunderstorms, and storm tides causing minor coastal flooding between Port Hedland and Exmouth.
“All recreational vessel owners must safely secure their vessels for cyclonic conditions,” Pilbara Ports advised.
Australia’s largest iron ore export hub, Port Hedland, ceased operations Saturday evening, with bulk carriers ordered to depart by 6 p.m. local time. The port facilitates significant shipments for miners such as BHP Group, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue Metals.
The cyclone is expected to remain offshore, moving westward parallel to the coast, but it will bring daily rainfall of 50-100 mm (2-4 inches) to Pilbara and western Kimberley through Monday, with isolated heavier totals. Flooding may disrupt roads, including the Minilya-Exmouth Road, and affect travel in the region.
BOM urged residents to secure property and prepare for potential flooding, emphasizing community support during the storm
The cyclone’s impact on iron ore exports and regional logistics will depend on its trajectory and duration, with further updates expected as conditions evolve.