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Local government agencies and resource companies are already assessing the damage created by one of the strongest cyclones to hit the north-west coast of Western Australia for a number of years, heading into the weekend.
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After impacting mining operations in Queensland and the Northern Territory, the reformed Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle has swept down the northern Western Australian coastline, bringing 200-kilometre winds across major offshore oil and gas operations and flooding inshore mining activities.
The approach of Narelle led to the key export ports of Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Dampier, and Varanus Island being closed from Thursday.
The same threat of severe winds and storm surges also led to a reported shutdown of Woodside Karratha gas plant near Dampier Thursday.
The cyclone is also expected to impact the Chevron-operated Gorgon and Wheatstone gas operations further south, with Narelle heading towards the coast.
In its latest update, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said “severe” tropical cyclone Narelle is causing significant damage in Northwestern Australia with heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and dangerous storm tides.
Wind gusts have reached up to 200 kilometres per hour in some areas, and other notable gusts were recorded at Thevenard Island, Barrow Island, and Onslow – where many major oil and gas operations are located.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall near the tourist destination of Coral Bay, potentially becoming a category three storm before weakening to a category one inland. BOM said the cyclone is expected to move south, affecting the Southwest Land Division, and is forecast to exit WA by tomorrow.
While the latest forecasts have the cyclone tracking inland to the north of Perth, its trail is likely to significantly impact mining exploration programs.
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