Cyclone Mitchell expected to intensify as north-west WA towns brace for winds and flooding

Cyclone Mitchell is offshore of Port Hedland and is forecast to strengthen to a category three system as it moves toward the Pilbara coast; watch-and-act warnings and an evacuation centre in Karratha have been announced.

A tropical cyclone off northern Western Australia is expected to intensify into a severe category three system and move toward the Pilbara coast. The system was located offshore of Port Hedland and was moving south-west toward Karratha late Saturday. Authorities have issued watch-and-act warnings for parts of the Pilbara and opened an evacuation centre in Karratha. What is known: - Cyclone Mitchell was offshore of Port Hedland and moving south-west toward the coast near Karratha. - Forecasts expect the system to strengthen to a category three and move close to or cross the western Pilbara coast late Sunday. - Watch-and-act warnings cover areas from Whim Creek to Mardie and nearby islands, and an evacuation centre was opened at Karratha Leisureplex. - Heavy rain and risk of flash flooding were predicted for Port Hedland and parts of the Pilbara, with abnormally high tides noted as an additional flood risk. Summary: Local officials have warned of dangerous winds, heavy rainfall and flood risk as the cyclone approaches the Pilbara coast. The cyclone is expected to track close to the coast late Sunday and further forecasts and notices from authorities are pending.